Ghana is now in a strong position to produce its own vaccines, according to Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.
He said the country had set up the National Vaccine Institute and was ready to start local vaccine production. Some local pharmaceutical companies are already taking the lead in this area.
Mr. Akandoh made this statement during a press briefing at the Presidency in Accra. The event followed a visit by Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa-CDC), to President John Dramani Mahama.
Dr. Kaseya was in Ghana to sign a data-sharing agreement between Ghana and Africa-CDC.
Mr. Akandoh recalled how, during the COVID-19 pandemic, some countries refused to export vaccines until they had met their own needs. He said Ghana must learn from that and be better prepared for future pandemics.
The Minister said Ghana must also improve primary health care as it begins the Free Primary Healthcare program. He noted that the “Mahama Cares” initiative also needs support to remain effective and could serve as a model for other African countries.
He mentioned that international support for health funding is decreasing. Ghana is expected to exit the Gavi vaccine support program by 2030. This means the country must find new, sustainable ways to fund vaccines.
Mr. Akandoh said working with Africa-CDC could help Ghana secure steady vaccine funding. He added that Ghana’s health system already works closely with Africa-CDC and has received valuable support.
So far, Ghana has received about $2.4 million from Africa-CDC to improve primary health care. Around 400 epidemiologists have been trained with this support, costing about $400,000. Africa-CDC has also helped raise $1.6 million for IT equipment and coaching tools.
The Minister said Ghana is playing an important role in Africa’s health sector. The University of Ghana’s School of Public Health is now a training hub for epidemiologists in West Africa. He also praised the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), which has reached a high level of global recognition.
He highlighted the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) as one of the strongest in the region. Other countries are learning from Ghana’s example.
Mr. Akandoh said President Mahama’s focus on Free Primary Healthcare is a key step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage. He also spoke about the “Mahama Cares” fund, which helps people suffering from chronic diseases.
Dr. Jean Kaseya praised Ghana and President Mahama for their efforts to improve health care. He said he was very impressed with the progress made.
“I came from the African Union, and I want the world to know I’m very impressed with what Ghana is doing,” Dr. Kaseya said.
He promised continued support from the African Union and Africa-CDC to help Ghana grow its health sector and share its success with other African countries.