Ghana is moving to expand local pharmaceutical production as part of a five-year strategy aimed at reducing the cost of medicines and cutting the country’s heavy dependence on imported drugs.
President John Dramani Mahama says about 70 percent of medicines currently used in Ghana are imported, despite the country having the capacity to manufacture many of them locally.
He said increasing domestic production could lower procurement costs and make essential medicines more affordable and readily available, particularly under the government’s Free Primary Health Care programme.
Five-Year Plan Targets Local Production
President Mahama disclosed that government has received a five-year pharmaceutical development plan aimed at increasing Ghana’s self-sufficiency in medicine production.
The roadmap was developed with input from the National Vaccine Institute, Ministry of Health, Pharmaceutical Association of Ghana and other allied institutions.
Speaking at a Free Primary Health Care programme at Zuarungu in the Bolgatanga East District, the President said Ghana should be able to manufacture a larger proportion of the medicines consumed locally.
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He added that stronger local production could eventually create opportunities for Ghanaian pharmaceutical companies to supply neighbouring countries.
Lower Medicine Costs Expected
According to President Mahama, reducing reliance on imported medicines could significantly lower government’s pharmaceutical procurement costs.
He explained that cheaper locally manufactured medicines would make it easier for government to provide more essential drugs to patients at the primary healthcare level.
The policy is expected to support efforts to expand access to basic healthcare while improving the availability of medicines across the country.
Hypertension and Diabetes Medicines Prioritised
Government has meanwhile entered into agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers to improve the supply of medicines required for common health conditions.
President Mahama specifically mentioned drugs used in managing hypertension and diabetes, including metformin and other prescribed medications.
He said ensuring the continuous availability of such medicines would be critical to the success of the Free Primary Health Care programme.
Ghana Eyes Regional Pharmaceutical Market
Beyond meeting domestic demand, government hopes the expansion of pharmaceutical manufacturing will position Ghana as a stronger producer and exporter of medicines within West Africa.
The five-year strategy is also expected to support local industry, create employment opportunities and strengthen Ghana’s medicine supply chain.
