Government has reiterated its commitment to sustaining targeted policies that support pharmaceutical manufacturing and healthcare investments, emphasising the sector’s critical role in national development, job creation, and regional health security.
Speaking at the official opening of the 4th West Africa Pharma & Healthcare Exhibition at the Accra International Conference Centre, Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Sampson Ahi highlighted government’s determination to create an enabling environment for the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries to thrive.
“This exhibition is more than just a trade show – it is a platform of convergence for industry players, policymakers, innovators, and solution providers driven by a common purpose to build a robust, accessible and sustainable healthcare ecosystem in Ghana and the sub-region,” he said.
Mr. Ahi commended organizers and key stakeholders including for their efforts in promoting the sector.
He underscored the government’s focus on digital health, e-pharmacy, and innovation as key drivers to transform Ghana’s healthcare landscape.
“Ghana must not be left behind in this transformation,” he emphasised, noting the benefits of digital platforms in improving access to medicines and healthcare services, especially in rural areas.
The Deputy Minister further revealed government initiatives to support the industry, including the development of industrial parks, tax incentives, improved access to finance, and regulatory reforms.
He stressed the importance of fostering local and international partnerships, welcoming over 100 exhibitors from India, Turkey, the United States, Egypt, Italy, and Ghana to the Expo.
“We are particularly keen to see stronger collaborations between local and international partners – and this Expo I believe will serve as a perfect match-making platform,” Mr. Ahi added stressing the need for cross-border collaboration to tackle health challenges that do not respect national boundaries.
Supporting this view, Mr. Praveen Kumar Singh, Project Director of the West Africa Pharma and Healthcare Expo highlighted the longstanding trade and diplomatic ties between Ghana and India, with pharmaceutical products being a major component of bilateral trade.
He noted that India supplies approximately 50% of generic medicines consumed in Africa, underlining the country’s role as a key partner in affordable healthcare.
India High Commissioner to Ghana, Manish Gupta reflected on India’s position as the “pharmacy of the world”, noting India’s extensive capacity in producing generic medicines, active pharmaceuticals, and innovative medical technologies.
“India provides 50% of the generic medicine market in Africa,” the High Commissioner said, adding that Indian multinational companies maintain global capability centers focused on pharmaceuticals and healthcare innovation.
He also emphasised Ghana’s appeal as a gateway to West African markets due to its stable political environment, abundant resources, and reform-oriented leadership, creating attractive opportunities for pharmaceutical investment and medical infrastructure development.
The Ghana National Chamber of Pharmacy, represented by CEO Pharm. Audrey Serwaa Bonsu, also lauded organisers of the Expo saying the event is a symbol of collaboration and a platform for advancing pharmaceutical care across West Africa.
“The Chamber remains deeply invested in initiatives that promote pharmaceutical excellence and the growth of local and regional pharma businesses,” she said.
She urged participants to seize the opportunity to forge sustainable collaborations to realize the vision of Ghana becoming a pharmaceutical hub in West Africa.
The 4th West Africa Pharma & Healthcare Exhibition, themed “E-Pharmacy & Digital Health,” brings together over 100 exhibitors and delegates from several countries, showcasing innovations in pharmaceuticals, digital health, and healthcare delivery.
The event is designed to encourage business partnerships, knowledge exchange, and policy dialogue, while supporting Ghana’s ambition to reduce dependency on imports, increase local manufacturing capacity, and expand trade within the region.
