…targets 300 direct and 1000 indirect jobs
By Juliet ETEFE ([email protected])
MiKO Pharma has officially broken ground for the construction of a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Akosombo-Akwamu traditional area, in the Eastern region.
The facility, when completed, will produce medications that address some of the most pressing health challenges such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, malaria and pain management, realities that affect millions of lives every day.
The plant will extend beyond the production of essential medicines as it seeks to create over 1,000 jobs, providing meaningful employment opportunities for the residents.
In an address, Dr. Michael K. Obeng, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of MiKO Pharma noted that the project symbolises the pharmaceutical’s commitment to economic empowerment and community development.
He reiterated that the establishment of the manufacturing plant is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the local economy by providing job opportunities, boosting local infrastructure, and contributing to the overall healthcare system.
He said once operational, the plant will focus on producing high-quality pharmaceutical products to meet the growing demands for healthcare solutions in Ghana and Africa.
“This is not just about building a plant; it is about building a future where our people can thrive, where local businesses can flourish and where our community can prosper.
“Upon completion, the facility will have the capacity to produce over 300 million tablets and capsules annually. The project is expected to create over 300 direct and 1,000 indirect jobs, contributing to local economic growth and skills development.
“We are beginning a journey that will change lives, uplift communities, and shape the future of healthcare in our beloved Ghana and beyond,” he stated.
The vision for MiKO Pharma, as expressed by Dr. Obeng, is rooted in the belief that access to healthcare should not be a privilege, but a right for all. As such, he noted that the company’s mission is to ensure that affordable, high-quality medicines are available to every community.
“We are proud that our facility has received certification from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and approval from the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), he indicated.
Dr. Obeng emphasised that the choice of the site was a tribute to the legacy of the land, which has been a symbol of progress and resilience for generations.
President Akufo-Addo lauds initiative
Also speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo emphasised the significance of the plant, not just for the Akwamu Traditional Area but for the entire nation.
He highlighted that the plant’s establishment comes at a critical time in Ghana’s development, aligning with the government’s goal to strengthen domestic production capacity and reduce reliance on imported medicines.
With 70% of pharmaceuticals currently imported, the President noted that COVID-19 exposed vulnerabilities in the healthcare system, making the need for local production more urgent.
President Akufo-Addo also commended MiKO Pharma’s project, which includes a cutting-edge vaccine center and research lab.
“This groundbreaking marks the foundation of a healthier and more prosperous future for all,” he stated.
For his part, Executive Partner of MiKO Pharma, Willard L. Jackson Jr., emphasised that the facility would not only serve the region but would become one of the largest and most advanced pharmaceutical plants in West Africa, delivering essential medicines and addressing critical health challenges.
Mr. Jackson described the plant as more than a professional duty, calling it a personal commitment, noting that the medications produced would be more than products – they would be lifelines for countless individuals.
He assured the plant would become a beacon of progress, health, and prosperity for the Akosombo-Akwamu area and beyond.
Akwamuhene
The overlord of Akwamu, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, Akwamuhene who expressed excitement about the initiative stated “As the Overlord of Akwamu, I have resolved with my people to play our part through the public-private partnership framework to leverage the resources of Akwamu towards its socio-economic development.”
He added: “With the government framework on industrialiatison and business, development, Akwamu is well positioned to host more of such investments and, I, can assure the business community that, Akwamu is ready and prepared to support you succeed in your venture”.
