Ghana aims to raise locally made medicines to 60%
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on MyJoyOnline
Ghana wants to increase locally produced medicines’ share of its supply from 30% to 60% to reduce dependence on imports, which account for about 70% of supply. Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare presented the policy in Accra on 28 October, according to MyJoyOnline.
Ghana wants to increase the share of medicines manufactured in the country and sold on the domestic market from 30% to 60%. Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare presented the target on 28 October 2026 in Accra, during the launch of the pharmaceutical policy approved by the government, MyJoyOnline reports.
Imported medicines account for about 70% of Ghana’s supply, the minister said. The new target is a step towards the 70% pharmaceutical self-sufficiency target set by President John Mahama.
The policy notably provides support for local manufacturers to obtain good manufacturing practice certification and prequalification from the World Health Organisation. Public procurement and the national health insurance scheme should also prioritise quality medicines produced in Ghana. The government wants to facilitate long-term financing for companies in the sector, including through partnerships with Development Bank Ghana and Ghana EXIM Bank.
The plan also aims to develop the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients, excipients and vaccines, beyond packaging, and to increase exports through the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Economic Community of West African States. It follows the Legon pharmaceutical park project, whose deadline has been pushed back to 31 October, according to the announcement on the Legon pharmaceutical park.
