The pharmaceutical industry in Ghana plays a vital role in the country’s health and economic future. Beyond ensuring access to life-saving medicines, the sector provides high-value jobs for scientists, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. Ghana’s pharmaceutical market was valued at about USD 589 million in 2019 and was projected to surpass USD 620 million in 2020, with long-term forecasts showing growth to over USD 941 million by the end of 2025.
Demand is driven by population growth, rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases, and the government’s push for universal health coverage. However, the market is highly import-dependent. Around 70% of medicines are imported, largely from India and China, with only 30% produced locally. Local manufacturers primarily focus on over-the-counter (OTC) drugs such as antimalarials, antibiotics and painkillers, while prescription medicines are dominated by imports.
Despite the import imbalance, Ghana is home to several respected pharmaceutical companies. Firms such as Ernest Chemists, Kinapharma, Tobinco Pharmaceuticals, Danadams, and Ayrton Drug Manufacturing have built strong domestic brands and regional influence. These companies not only supply essential medicines but are also investing in modern facilities to meet Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and qualify for World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification. It must also be noted that Ghana was selected to be a manufacturing hub for COVID-19 vaccines in 2021.
The Ghanaian government has consistently supported the pharmaceutical sector. Through policies such as the 10-Point Industrial Transformation Agenda and initiatives under the One District, One Factory (1D1F) program, government-backed financing has been extended to local firms. The Ghana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM), for instance, committed USD 60 million to nine pharmaceutical manufacturers since 2017. The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) provides one of the most rigorous regulatory environments in West Africa. Its oversight of drug registration and post-market surveillance has improved consumer safety and built investor confidence
Despite its progress, the industry faces some challenges. Over-reliance on foreign inputs leaves the sector vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions, while high production costs are driven by high energy tariffs and over-dependence on imported raw materials. These and many more limit competitiveness. The infiltration of counterfeit medicines continues to pose a serious health risk, undermining consumer trust. In addition, limited research and development capacity means that most local firms focus heavily on production rather than innovation, thereby restricting the sector’s ability to develop new treatments and technologies.
With Ghana hosting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, local manufacturers have a platform to expand medicine exports across Africa. At the same time, initiatives such as the National Electronic Pharmacy Platform (NEPP) are bridging gaps in access and digitizing medicine distribution. With greater support for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification, Ghanaian firms are well placed to strengthen their footprint across ECOWAS and beyond.
The pharmaceutical industry is a pillar of industrial transformation, job creation, and regional competitiveness. While Ghana must address the burdens of import dependence, the opportunities ahead are immense. With continued policy support, private investment, and technological adoption, Ghana is on course to emerge not only as a healthcare hub for West Africa but also as a global example of how pharmaceuticals can drive sustainable development.