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Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), has defended the institution's expenditure of GH₵13 million on training, workshops, and conferences. Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Dr. Sodzi-Tettey explained that these costs were necessary investments to establish a foundation for local vaccine production in Ghana. The justification comes amid intense parliamentary scrutiny regarding the institute's financial management during a period of reported economic challenges and a financial downturn.
The NVI head emphasized that the transition to independent vaccine manufacturing is an extremely complex undertaking that requires specialized expertise currently lacking within the country. According to Dr. Sodzi-Tettey, the funds were utilized to build the capacity of essential stakeholders, including researchers, manufacturers, and regulators. He argued that without these targeted investments in human capital, any physical infrastructure for high-level pharmaceutical production would remain underutilized and ineffective, as the field remains underdeveloped in Ghana.
Beyond technical training, the expenditure also covered community engagement initiatives designed to build public trust and acceptance of locally produced medical products. Dr. Sodzi-Tettey noted that public understanding is critical for the long-term success of the institute's mission. By educating citizens on the safety and efficacy of Ghanaian-made vaccines, the NVI aims to ensure a receptive market once production commences. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to secure Ghana's health future and reduce reliance on imported vaccines.