$750m and Counting: GPMA raises alarm over Ghana’s pharmaceutical imports

Executive Secretary of the Ghana Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (GPMA), Dr Lucia Addae, has raised concerns over Ghana's growing dependence on imported medicines, revealing that the country's pharmaceutical imports have increased to over $750 million.

According to her, the value of imported medicines has risen sharply over the past decade, although Ghana continues to produce only about 30% of the medicines it needs.

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Speaking on behalf of the President of the GPMA at the launch of the Ghana Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Policy on Wednesday October 29, 2026, Dr Addae said the situation showed the need to increase local drug production and reduce dependence on foreign manufacturers.

“We always hear that we import 70% and manufacture 30%, and people have stated that that figure has not changed over the years. Ten years ago, that figure was about $250 million. Today, that figure sits a little over $750 million,” she said.

The new policy, launched by the government, seeks to support local pharmaceutical companies, attract investment and make Ghana a major producer and exporter of medicines in West Africa.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Agribusiness, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, said the government was committed to turning the policy into real investments, factories and jobs for Ghanaians.

“With this clear direction from the head of state, my ministry’s responsibility is to translate that commitment into factories, products, exports and jobs. The policy provides the framework for accelerating investments, promoting local manufacturing and improving the competitiveness of our industry,” she stated.

She explained that the government's goal was to ensure that Ghana produces enough quality medicines to meet local demand while supplying other countries in the sub-region.

“Our vision is simple: a Ghana that produces safe, quality and affordable medicines for its people and serves as the pharmaceutical manufacturing hub of West Africa,” she said.

The German Ambassador to Ghana, Frederik Landshöft, also welcomed the policy and expressed Germany's support for Ghana's efforts to strengthen its pharmaceutical industry.

He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the risks countries face when they depend heavily on other nations for essential medicines and vaccines.

“The COVID-19 pandemic reminded us how vulnerable countries become when essential medicines and vaccines are produced in only a few places. That is why Germany strongly welcomes Ghana’s ambition to become a regional pharmaceutical manufacturing hub,” he said.

The policy is expected to help local pharmaceutical manufacturers expand production, attract more investment and compete with foreign companies.

It is also aimed at reducing Ghana's dependence on imported medicines and strengthening the country's ability to meet its healthcare needs.

ANAS/VPO

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