Ghana’s government will establish a 2,000-acre pharmaceutical innovation park in Osudoku. This flagship project aims to reduce the country’s heavy reliance on imported medicines. The initiative seeks to create an integrated ecosystem for local drug production and research.
The Legon Pharmaceutical Innovation Park falls under the 24-Hour Economy Authority. It will address critical challenges for manufacturers, including access to land and essential infrastructure. The park will provide roads, water, electricity, and specialized wastewater treatment facilities. This dedicated industrial ecosystem will make it easier for pharmaceutical companies to operate and expand.
Ghana currently imports about 70% of its pharmaceutical needs, including finished medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients. This reliance makes the nation vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions. The new park aims to cover the entire pharmaceutical value chain, strengthening Ghana's self-sufficiency. It will also support local production of medical devices like HIV and malaria test kits, which are largely imported.
Kafui Linda Abbah Foli, Head of Technical Delivery and Design at the 24-Hour Economy Authority, confirmed the project's goals. She stated the park would provide all necessary bulk infrastructure facilities. Ms. Abbah Foli emphasized the importance of building a self-sufficient system for future health emergencies. This includes learning from successful pharmaceutical parks in India to attract international companies.
The park is designed to go beyond a conventional industrial site. It will include housing facilities for workers and other supporting infrastructure. The Authority targets creating up to 20,000 jobs within the first five years of the park’s development. This significant job creation will boost local employment and economic activity. The project also aims to attract investment from both local and international pharmaceutical firms.
Pre-feasibility studies for the project are complete, with full feasibility studies now underway. These studies focus on the park's design and master planning. An anchor investor is expected to partner with the government and the 24-Hour Economy Authority. Potential tenants include existing Ghanaian manufacturers and international companies from India, China, and the United States.
Land acquisition is a key component, with 2,000 acres identified in Osudoku. The Authority is engaging traditional leaders and communities through a participatory land acquisition model. This model ensures landowners and communities receive rental income and become shareholders in the park. They will receive annual dividends, directly benefiting from the economic development.
The pharmaceutical park also responds to Ghana's changing disease burden. While infectious diseases remain a concern, non-communicable diseases like diabetes are increasing. The park could attract manufacturers producing medicines for these conditions. This would further reduce import dependence and ease pressure on healthcare spending. The broader ambition is to build a robust domestic pharmaceutical industry, creating jobs and attracting investment.
This initiative represents a strategic move to bolster Ghana's economic resilience and public health security. By localizing drug production, Ghana aims to reduce its GHS 700 million annual import bill for medicines. The project will ensure access to essential medicines during future global health crises. It also positions Ghana as a regional hub for pharmaceutical innovation and manufacturing.