Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang Outlines Five-Year Strategy to Reach 70% Local Medicine Production

Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has issued a call for a significant expansion in Ghana's pharmaceutical manufacturing sector to reduce the nation's heavy reliance on imported drugs. Addressing the 90th Anniversary Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, the Vice President articulated a bold vision to increase the proportion of locally manufactured essential medicines from the current 30% to 70% over the next five years. This shift is central to the government's strategy to improve national health security and ensure that critical medications remain accessible to all citizens. The Vice President highlighted the progress already being made by local firms, noting that many have begun expanding their capacity to produce complex medications, including injectables and infusions. By strengthening these local capabilities, the government aims to insulate the Ghanaian healthcare system from the volatilities of the international market. Professor Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that a self-reliant pharmaceutical sector is not only a matter of health policy but a vital component of national economic resilience. In response, the leadership of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) expressed support for the 70% target while detailing the requirements for its success. Pharm. Paul Owusu Donkor, President of the PSGH, stressed the need for sustained government intervention, including predictable public procurement policies and targeted financial support for manufacturers. He argued that for local industries to compete effectively and meet the government's ambitious benchmarks, there must be a stable environment that encourages long-term investment in technology and human resources. Beyond industrial production, the conference also focused on the evolving clinical responsibilities of pharmacists in managing public health. The Vice President urged the profession to take an active leadership role in the management of chronic diseases and called for regulatory frameworks to be updated to reflect rapid technological advancements in the field. As the government rolls out its five-year strategy, the synergy between policy directives and professional pharmaceutical practice will be key to transforming Ghana into a hub for medical innovation in West Africa.