Mahama Pledges to Make Ghana the Pharmaceutical Hub of Africa

President John Dramani Mahama has announced his vision to transform Ghana into the pharmaceutical hub of Africa, aiming to position the country as a leader in the production and distribution of pharmaceuticals on the continent.

In his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) during his second term, delivered on Thursday, 27th February, Mahama outlined his administration’s plan to boost Ghana’s pharmaceutical industry, which he believes holds significant potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve healthcare delivery across the region.

“The future of Ghana lies in becoming a key player in Africa’s pharmaceutical industry. My administration is committed to ensuring that we establish a world-class pharmaceutical sector that can meet the needs of not just our country, but the entire continent,” Mahama declared.

The president highlighted that, with the right investments and partnerships, Ghana could become a regional leader in the production of medicines, thereby reducing the continent’s dependence on imported drugs and fostering self-sufficiency in healthcare.

He also emphasized the importance of strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing, which would create more jobs, especially for young people, while reducing the cost of healthcare and increasing access to essential medicines.

“As we focus on making Ghana the pharmaceutical hub of Africa, we will invest in modernizing our facilities, expanding production capabilities, and ensuring that our pharmaceutical companies meet the highest international standards,” Mahama explained.

Mahama’s plan includes providing incentives for local pharmaceutical companies, attracting foreign investment, and building strategic partnerships with global pharmaceutical giants.

He also stressed the importance of nurturing research and development within the sector, ensuring that Ghana can lead in innovation and meet the evolving healthcare needs of Africa.

“By developing a robust pharmaceutical industry, we will not only improve healthcare in Ghana but also provide high-quality, affordable medicines to our neighbors across the continent,” Mahama added.

The president’s vision was met with enthusiasm from members of Parliament, who expressed support for the idea, acknowledging the potential of the pharmaceutical industry to contribute to Ghana’s economic growth while improving the quality of life for citizens.

With the African Union’s health initiatives and increasing regional integration, Mahama’s ambition to make Ghana the pharmaceutical hub of Africa is seen as an important step toward both economic transformation and better healthcare outcomes for the entire continent.