Ghana launches pharmaceutical policy to reduce 70% medicine imports

The government has officially launched the Ghana Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Policy (GPMP), a strategic initiative designed to address the country’s heavy reliance on foreign-made drugs. Currently, Ghana imports approximately 70% of its pharmaceutical needs, leaving the health sector vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions. The new policy, which has received Cabinet approval, seeks to reverse this trend by establishing a sustainable and competitive local manufacturing ecosystem.

A central feature of the GPMP is the creation of a dedicated pharmaceutical hub focused on the production of both finished medications and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare and health officials emphasized that the initiative is a core component of President John Mahama’s industrialization agenda. By shifting focus toward domestic production, the government aims to ensure national drug security while simultaneously creating jobs and stimulating economic growth within the health and industrial sectors.

The policy also outlines a comprehensive framework for collaboration between manufacturers, financial institutions, and academia. Dr. Bernice Makafui Brempong noted that the initiative includes specific plans to equip pharmacists with industrial skills to bridge existing expertise gaps. Additionally, the government plans to foster partnerships with the agricultural sector to explore local sourcing for raw materials required in drug formulation, further strengthening the domestic value chain.

As the GPMP moves from launch to practical implementation, the government is calling for increased private sector investment to help transform Ghana into a regional pharmaceutical powerhouse. Officials stressed that the policy provides the necessary regulatory and economic environment to foster a self-sufficient health sector. By reducing import dependence, the government intends to make essential medicines more affordable and accessible for all Ghanaians.