Bernice Makafui Brempong outlines Phase 2 of Central Region pharmaceutical hub

Dr. Bernice Makafui Brempong, the Presidential Coordinator for the Ghana Pharmaceutical Hub, has detailed the strategic focus for the proposed Phase 2 of the project in the Central Region. This new phase is designed to specialize in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, and herbal medicines. The initiative represents a major step toward establishing Ghana as a premier pharmaceutical manufacturing center in Africa, building on the infrastructure established during the project's initial stages.

A primary objective of this expansion is to reduce Ghana’s heavy reliance on imported medications by at least 70%. By manufacturing critical raw materials and leveraging the country's potential in herbal medicine, the hub aims to secure the domestic supply chain and lower the cost of healthcare for the public. This plan aligns with the industrialization agenda of President John Mahama, who has prioritized local production as a means of achieving national self-sufficiency and economic resilience.

To support the technical demands of Phase 2, the project includes a comprehensive human resource strategy. Dr. Brempong noted that the initiative will address the current skills gap by providing specialized training for clinical pharmacists to transition into industrial pharmacy roles. This focus on workforce development is intended to ensure that the hub is staffed by local experts capable of meeting international manufacturing standards and driving innovation in drug formulation.

The development of the pharmaceutical hub in the Central Region is expected to serve as a catalyst for regional economic growth while enhancing Ghana's health security. By fostering a robust local manufacturing ecosystem, the government aims to create sustainable jobs and provide a reliable framework for the long-term sustainability of the nation's healthcare system.