Trade Ministry launches pharmaceutical policy to double local medicine production

The government has launched the Cabinet-approved Ghana Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Policy, seeking to double domestic medicine production, create skilled jobs and position the country as a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing hub in West Africa.

The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, announced the policy at its launch in Accra on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

She said the policy was designed to address Ghana’s dependence on imported medicines, which currently account for about 70% of the country’s medicine supply.

Under the policy, Ghana aims to increase the share of locally manufactured medicines in the domestic market from 30 per cent to 60 per cent, as an intermediate step towards President John Mahama’s target of achieving 70 per cent local pharmaceutical self-sufficiency.

“Medicines are not ordinary goods. A country that cannot produce its own essential medicines leaves its health, economy, and sovereignty vulnerable,” Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said.

She explained that the policy would provide a coordinated framework to align investment, regulation, public procurement, skills development and regional trade in support of local pharmaceutical manufacturers.

The Minister outlined six key pillars underpinning the policy, including improving the quality of locally manufactured medicines to meet international standards, expanding market access for domestic producers and providing affordable, long-term financing.

The government also plans to support local manufacturers to obtain World Health Organisation Good Manufacturing Practice certification and prequalification, while using public procurement and the National Health Insurance Scheme to prioritise quality medicines produced in Ghana.

On financing, Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said the policy would promote partnerships with Development Bank Ghana, Ghana EXIM Bank and GIPA to improve access to long-term funding for pharmaceutical businesses.

The policy also seeks to move the industry beyond packaging into the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients, excipients and vaccines.

Other priorities include strengthening collaboration between academia and industry, equipping clinical pharmacists with skills for pharmaceutical manufacturing, and expanding exports through the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Economic Community of West African States.

The launch brought together representatives from key institutions involved in the policy’s implementation, including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, Food and Drugs Authority, National Vaccine Institute, Development Bank Ghana, GIZ, the World Health Organisation and the European Union.

The government expects the policy to strengthen local manufacturing capacity, reduce dependence on imported medicines and create opportunities for Ghanaian pharmaceutical businesses to expand into regional markets.