Ministry of Health Rallies Investor To Support Ghana’s Vaccine Manufacturing
The Ministry of Health is taking significant strides to bolster Ghana’s vaccine manufacturing sector, with a recent forum aimed at attracting investors to bridge the estimated $2.5 billion funding gap required to establish a comprehensive vaccine manufacturing ecosystem.
In partnership with the National Vaccine Institute (NVI) and the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), on August 6, 2025, hosted the Ghana Vaccine Manufacturing Investment Forum under the theme: “Mobilising Sustainable Financing to Accelerate Vaccine Development and Manufacturing in Ghana.”
The event brought together a cross-section of government officials, development partners, pharmaceutical manufacturers, research institutions, and local and international financial institutions to explore strategies for funding Ghana’s vaccine production ambitions.
The Special Guest of Honour, President John Dramani Mahama, pledged government support to accelerate local vaccine manufacturing in Ghana, aiming to position the country as a regional hub. He announced an additional GHC 50 million in seed capital for the National Vaccine Institute, bringing total government funding to GHC 75 million.
He noted that this investment is intended to address challenges in vaccine manufacturing, particularly access to financing, and to leverage Ghana’s progress in health regulation, research, and local pharmaceutical production. The President added that the government’s support for vaccine manufacturing aligns with global efforts to strengthen health systems and promote sustainable development.
The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, delivering the keynote address, emphasized Ghana’s determination to move from dependency to self-reliance in vaccine access and production. “Ghana will not beg for vaccines. Ghana will make them,” he declared.
The Minister outlined the urgent need for $115 million in financing to support two key domestic manufacturers, DEK Vaccines Ltd and Atlantic Lifesciences Ltd, to reach operational scale.
He also noted that Ghana’s scientific institutions including Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, KCCR, and CSIR are already developing vaccine candidates and require capital to advance their work.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with both local and international stakeholders to realize Ghana’s vision of vaccine self-sufficiency and pandemic preparedness. “The next pandemic will not wait. But neither will Ghana. We are ready to manufacture, ready to regulate, and ready to lead,” the Minister concluded.
The forum featured breakout sessions aimed at building investor confidence and securing partnerships. It also highlighted key investment incentives such as guaranteed national demand, access to regional markets, strong political support, and tax benefits.
Source: MoH
