Accra:The Executive Secretary of the Ghana Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (GPMA), Dr. Lucia Addae, has expressed concern over Ghana's increasing reliance on imported medicines, with imports now surpassing $750 million. Ghana currently produces only about 30% of its pharmaceutical needs.
According to Ghana Web, Dr. Addae highlighted this issue while speaking on behalf of the GPMA President at the launch of the Ghana Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Policy. She emphasized the need for increased local drug production to decrease dependency on foreign manufacturers.
The recently launched policy by the government aims to bolster local pharmaceutical companies, attract investment, and position Ghana as a major producer and exporter of medicines within West Africa. Minister of Trade, Industry and Agribusiness, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, stated that the government's commitment is to transform the policy into tangible investments, factories, and jobs for Ghanaians.
The policy framework is designed to accelerate investments, promote local manufacturing, and enhance the competitiveness of the industry. The ultimate goal is for Ghana to produce enough quality medicines to meet local demand and supply other countries in the sub-region, making it the pharmaceutical manufacturing hub of West Africa.
Germany's Ambassador to Ghana, Frederik Landshöft, expressed support for the policy, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the risks of over-reliance on a few countries for essential medicines and vaccines. He welcomed Ghana's ambition to become a regional pharmaceutical manufacturing hub.
The policy is expected to enable local pharmaceutical manufacturers to expand, attract more investment, and compete with foreign companies, thereby reducing Ghana's dependence on imported medicines and strengthening its healthcare capabilities.