Stakeholders in Ghana’s pharmaceutical sector have called for greater investment in local drug manufacturing, describing pharmaceutical sovereignty as essential to strengthening the country’s health security and industrial development.

The call dominated discussions at the 2026 Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Ghana (PMAG) Day held in Accra to mark the association’s 27th anniversary under the theme of building a resilient and competitive pharmaceutical industry.

The event underscored the importance of a strong domestic pharmaceutical sector in improving access to quality medicines, strengthening resilient health systems, and supporting Ghana’s broader industrial transformation.

Participants explored ways to boost innovation, develop specialised skills, improve quality standards, attract investment, and deepen collaboration across the pharmaceutical value chain.

The event brought together the minister for health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh; presidential advisor on the 24-hour economy, Augustus Goosie Tanoh; the European Union ambassador to Ghana, Rune Skinnebach; and the deputy head of cooperation at the German Embassy, Daniel Boehme, as well as representatives from industry, academia, research institutions, and development partners.

Discussions also focused on expanding local manufacturing of vaccines and medicines to reduce dependence on imports and improve the country’s preparedness for future health emergencies.

The German Embassy said international cooperation remains critical as infectious diseases and other health challenges continue to transcend national borders.

According to the embassy, Germany and the European Union are partnering with Ghana through the jointly funded PharmaVax Ghana Programme, implemented by GIZ, to strengthen the country’s pharmaceutical ecosystem and build a resilient, innovative, and competitive industry.

The programme forms part of the Team Europe Initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines, and Health Technologies in Africa (MAV+), which aims to expand Africa’s capacity to produce vaccines, medicines, and other essential health technologies.

The German Embassy congratulated PMAG for convening the dialogue and reaffirmed its commitment to working with Ghanaian partners to promote sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing and strengthen health security.