EU, Germany commit €415,000 grant to boost Ghana's pharmaceutical manufacturing

The European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development have committed €415,437.78 to support the implementation of the PharmaVax Programme, an initiative aimed at strengthening Ghana's pharmaceutical manufacturing sector and positioning the country as a leading medicine production hub in West Africa.

According to a myjoyonline.com report on June 27, 2026, the programme will focus on four key areas: strengthening regulatory governance, promoting collaboration between the public and private sectors, attracting foreign direct investment, and improving transparency through the digitisation of licensing and authorisation processes.

Speaking at the launch of the partnership, the Director of Administration at the Ministry of Trade and Agribusiness, Yaw Sakyi, reaffirmed the government's commitment to reducing Ghana's dependence on imported medicines.

He said the country's new pharmaceutical policy would provide the framework needed to support the growth and competitiveness of the local pharmaceutical industry.

"The pharmaceutical policy will provide the necessary implementation systems for the growth of the industry," Mr Sakyi said, while expressing appreciation to the European Union and the German government for their continued financial and technical support.

Over 4,000 pharmacists verified, just 100 hired - GHOSPA

The Ministry has set ambitious targets for the PharmaVax Programme to be achieved by 2030.

Head of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Development Unit, Godfred Gobah, said the government was moving beyond policy formulation to actively creating market opportunities for local pharmaceutical manufacturers.

According to him, the Ministry plans to work closely with private sector players and participate in both local and international trade events to promote Ghanaian pharmaceutical products.

"The Ministry will engage the private sector and participate in local and international events to increase the visibility of Ghana's pharmaceutical industry and create new market access opportunities," Gobah said.

The PharmaVax Programme is expected to reduce Ghana's dependence on imported medicines, create skilled jobs in pharmaceutical manufacturing, expand export opportunities, and strengthen the country's capacity to respond to public health emergencies through increased local production.