Ghana will reduce its medicine import dependence by 70 percent within five years. President John Dramani Mahama announced this strategic goal, aiming to bolster local pharmaceutical manufacturing. This ambitious plan seeks to achieve self-sufficiency in essential medicine production.
The initiative addresses Ghana's current reliance on foreign suppliers for 70 percent of its medicines. This high import rate places a significant burden on the national health financing system. Increased local production will make medicines more affordable and readily available for citizens.
This move aligns with Ghana's broader economic strategy to diversify its industrial base and reduce external vulnerabilities. It builds on previous efforts to strengthen local industries and create jobs. The plan also aims to transform Ghana into a regional hub for pharmaceutical exports.
President Mahama highlighted the importance of this shift during a free primary healthcare durbar in Zuarungu. He stated, “In that plan, when I was listening, we imported 70 percent of the drugs that we use. But we have the capacity to produce those drugs here ourselves.” This underscores the nation's potential to meet its own pharmaceutical needs.
The government's commitment to local manufacturing will have several key implications. It will reduce the cost of medicines for the government and patients. It will also shield Ghana from external supply chain disruptions, ensuring consistent access to vital drugs. Decision-makers will monitor progress in pharmaceutical capacity building and export growth.
The five-year roadmap involves expanding the country’s pharmaceutical industry. This includes building capacity for local manufacturers to produce a wider range of drugs. The objective extends beyond domestic consumption to developing an export-oriented industry.
Increased local production will directly impact the cost of medicines. President Mahama explained that local sourcing would allow the government to procure drugs at a cheaper cost. This cost reduction is crucial for expanding access to care, especially through preventive healthcare programmes.
The government is actively creating conditions for pharmaceutical manufacturers to expand operations. This support ensures that locally produced medicines meet national quality standards. Agreements with various drug manufacturing companies are already in place to support current medicine supply.
These arrangements help provide essential medicines for long-term conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Developing the pharmaceutical industry also aims to generate foreign exchange and create jobs. Ghana seeks to transition from a major importer to a producer and exporter of medicines.
Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, noted the distribution of over 24,000 pieces of equipment nationwide. This includes 9,000 health kits, with 1,320 earmarked for the Upper East Region. The Free Primary Healthcare (FPH) programme has started in 150 districts and will expand nationwide by 2028.
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has also made significant financial strides. Deputy CEO Anatu Anne Seidu Bogobiri reported clearing GHS 963 million in outstanding provider claims by April last year. Over GHS 2 billion was paid to providers in 2025, including GHS 150 million in the Upper East Region.
From January to July 2026, GHS 1.4 billion was paid nationwide, with the Upper East Region receiving over GHS 100 million. Active NHIS membership rose from 54 percent in 2024 to 76 percent by June 2026. This increase reflects improved access and confidence in the National Health Insurance Scheme.