Government allocates GH¢50m to boost local vaccine production

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government is making strategic investments in local pharmaceutical and vaccine production, including the allocation of GH¢50 million in seed funding to the National Vaccine Institute to strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity.

Delivering his State of the Nation Address on February 27, the President outlined measures aimed at reducing Ghana’s reliance on imported vaccines and medicines while building a resilient local industry.

He revealed that “a local manufacturer secured market authorisation to produce snake venom anti-serum right here in Ghana,” and added that “production of the tetanus toxoid vaccine is expected to commence this year through a partnership with an Indonesian pharmaceutical firm.”

The President said the government was also taking steps to ensure that locally produced medicines and vaccines receive priority in public procurement, describing an “advanced commitment” arrangement that is being finalised.

“We are also finalising steps to implement an advanced commitment to prioritise locally manufactured vaccines and pharmaceuticals in public procurement,” he stated.

He explained that the policy is intended to strengthen supply security, reduce exposure to global supply chain shocks and provide a guaranteed market for Ghana’s emerging pharmaceutical manufacturers.

On financing and immunisation policy, President Mahama said immunisation financing was strengthened in 2025, with the vaccine budget for children and pregnant women increased by 46 per cent to exceed GH¢71 million.

He noted that the increased allocation enables Ghana to fully and promptly finance all its vaccines, thereby reducing the risk of preventable disease outbreaks. He emphasised that disease control remains a national priority closely linked to sustained immunisation funding.

The President also highlighted key programme achievements, noting that in 2025 the HPV vaccine was introduced to protect young women and girls against cervical cancer. He expressed confidence that continued strengthening of immunisation financing and the prioritisation of local production would support sustained disease prevention and further reduce outbreak risks.