Ghana News
How an Indonesian Partnership Could Begin Ghana’s Local Vaccine Production and End Import Dependence
Ghana’s long-standing reliance on imported vaccines is set to change fundamentally by 2027, driven by a technology transfer agreement between the National Vaccine Institute (NVI) and Indonesia’s state-owned vaccine manufacturer, PT Bio Farma.
The partnership, which focuses on the production of tetanus diphtheria (Td) vaccine, marks Ghana’s first concrete step toward local manufacturing. If successful, it would reduce the country’s near-total dependence on foreign-supplied jabs, a vulnerability starkly exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic when African nations faced severe vaccine shortages.
“We have signed a tech transfer agreement with PT Bio Farma of Indonesia for the manufacture of tetanus diphtheria, which would be the first vaccine to be manufactured locally by 2027,” Dr Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, Chief Executive Officer of the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), told the Daily Graphic during a working visit to the newspaper’s editor in Accra.
Why Indonesia, and why now?

PT Bio Farma is a century-old, state-owned vaccine producer that supplies the Indonesian government and exports to more than 150 countries. It is one of the few developing-world manufacturers with WHO-prequalified facilities.
For Ghana, the choice of an Indonesian partner—rather than a Western pharmaceutical giant—reflects a deliberate strategy of South-South cooperation.
“The conversation is slow and tedious,” Dr Sodzi-Tettey admitted. “But because it is a continental agenda, the political support will make it work.”
The agreement covers technology transfer, which involves sharing not just production formulas but also Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) protocols, quality control systems, and regulatory compliance frameworks.
This is significant because GMP compliance is the single largest barrier preventing African manufacturers from accessing the $1.2 billion that GAVI, the global vaccine alliance, has set aside for African vaccine production.
The larger pipeline: Snake venom antiserum comes first
While the Indonesian partnership targets 2027, the NVI has already achieved an earlier milestone. In March 2025, the institute secured market authorization for snake venom antiserum, with commercial-scale production expected to begin in 2026.
“Snake venom antiserum production in commercial quantities would start this year,” Dr Sodzi-Tettey said, speaking in early 2026.
Snakebites remain a neglected tropical disease in Ghana, particularly affecting rural farming communities. Local production of antiserum could lower treatment costs and reduce reliance on imports from India and Costa Rica.
The funding challenge
The Td vaccine project, along with other planned vaccines, requires production costs exceeding $100 million across two local manufacturers: Atlantic Life Sciences and DEK Vaccines Limited.
The NVI is actively seeking partnerships with the Ghana Exim Bank, Afreximbank, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to bridge the funding gap. Additionally, President John Dramani Mahama recently allocated $50 million in seed funding to the NVI to support manufacturing, research, development, and international regulatory compliance.
“Development finance and multilateral institutions have pledged in the region of $12 billion to assist African countries,” Dr Sodzi-Tettey noted. “But African manufacturers are unable to access those funds because of all kinds of conditionalities attached to them.”
Even GAVI’s $1.2 billion Africa Vaccine Manufacturing initiative requires manufacturers to meet milestones—including building GMP-compliant facilities—before receiving payments. This creates a classic catch-22: manufacturers need funds to build compliant facilities, but cannot access funds without already having them.
Why import dependence matters
Ghana currently procures nearly all its routine vaccines from international suppliers, including the Serum Institute of India, Pfizer, and GSK. By 2030, Ghana’s annual vaccine procurement budget is expected to reach $50 million, which the country will have to raise entirely on its own as external support from GAVI phases out.
“The question is whether this $50 million to $60 million annual budget you are going to raise would be given to vaccine manufacturers elsewhere or whether you will invest it in your local economy,” Dr Sodzi-Tettey said. “That is where President Mahama has been talking about health sovereignty—the need to reset the agenda.”
Timeline and next steps
- 2026: Commercial production of snake venom antiserum expected.
- 2027: First local production of tetanus diphtheria vaccine via PT Bio Farma technology transfer.
- 2030: GAVI funding ends; Ghana must fully self-finance its vaccine procurement.
- 2030 target: Full local manufacturing ecosystem operational.
The NVI continues to seek strategic investors and has organised vaccine manufacturing investment forums to mobilise resources ahead of the 2030 deadline. Media support, Dr Sodzi-Tettey emphasised, is critical to building public awareness and sustaining political will.
“The ecosystem is being built,” he said. “People are getting used to all kinds of things. The monies the President gave, and the statements he has been making in Geneva, have made people take Ghana more seriously. They see that the government is committed.”
Ghana News
American Expats in Ghana Get a Helping Hand to Vote in 2026 U.S. Midterm Elections
With the 2026 U.S. midterm elections fast approaching, American citizens living in Ghana are receiving a timely boost to ensure their voices are heard from thousands of miles away.
The Vote from Abroad Team in Ghana is set to host a specialized voter registration and assistance event this weekend, designed to navigate the complexities of overseas voting.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, August 29, at 2:00 PM (Ghana time) at Theia’s Coffee House in the Airport Residential Area of Accra. Volunteers will be on the ground to provide trained assistance, guiding participants through the process of registering to vote and requesting their absentee ballots. The organizers have set a goal to register at least 50 new overseas voters in a single afternoon.
“This is a crucial opportunity,” said Lenny Baer, a volunteer with the Vote from Abroad Team in Ghana. “Many US citizens often don’t realize they can vote from overseas. We can, and our votes help determine the outcome of elections across the US.”
Why This Outreach Matters
This initiative is part of a broader effort by Democrats Abroad, the official arm of the Democratic Party representing Americans living outside the United States . The organization operates a volunteer-run network with chapters on six continents, working to protect the voting rights of the estimated 9 million Americans living abroad .
While the event is hosted by Democrats Abroad, the organizers emphasize that it is open to all U.S. citizens living in Ghana, irrespective of political party affiliation . This nonpartisan approach to voter assistance is a core tenant of the organization’s mission, reflecting their commitment to helping any American facing voting challenges . Through their platform, VoteFromAbroad.org, they provide a public service that helps citizens register and participate in elections regardless of their political leanings .
Midterm elections historically see lower voter turnout than presidential elections, particularly among overseas voters who often face bureaucratic hurdles or are simply unaware of their eligibility . With all 435 House seats and approximately 36 Senate seats up for grabs in 2026, every single vote—including those from Accra—holds the potential to tip the balance of power in Congress .
How to Participate
For those unable to attend the event in person, organizers have confirmed that a virtual session will be held simultaneously . Interested voters can RSVP through the VoteFromAbroad.org platform to receive the online meeting link and receive the same level of one-on-one assistance in completing their ballot request forms.
Trained voting assistants will also be available to answer questions, help participants complete their Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)—the standard federal form needed to request a ballot—and ensure that their voting rights are protected .
For Americans in Ghana, this Saturday’s event is more than just a registration drive; it is a critical lifeline to the democratic process back home, ensuring that their geographic distance does not translate into political silence.
Ghana News
Top Headlines from Ghanaian Newspapers: Monday, August 24, 2026
Monday, August 24, 2026 – Ghana’s front pages are dominated by a fierce political standoff over GoldBod’s massive financial losses, a significant government U-turn granting a lifeline to Adamus Resources, and a highly competitive race for NPP national executive positions ahead of the 2028 elections.
1. The GoldBod $1.7bn Loss Saga: War of Words Escalates
The Minority in Parliament is refusing to back down on the GoldBod losses, while the state gold company’s CEO faces intense scrutiny.
- “No Distraction: Afenyo-Markin, Minority Sustain Heat …On $1.7bn Gold Loss” (Day Break), with The Daily Statesman stating “PERSONAL ATTACKS WON’T DISTRACT US.”
- The Source reports “Sammy Gyamfi’s Extortion Claim False – Afenyo-Markin,” while The Inquisitor and The Daily Gist note the Minority Leader is “Threatening Legal Action” over the allegation.
- The Informer headlines “Minority Hauls GoldBod CEO Before Parliament” over the controversy.
- NewsCentra digs into the numbers, reporting “GH¢29.1bn Gold Losses In 4 Years – The role of GoldBod and BoG explained,” while The Custodian leads with “Minority Vows To Probe GH¢22bn Gold Trading Loss.”
2. Mahama Intervenes: The Adamus U-Turn
President John Dramani Mahama has stepped into the heated standoff between the Lands Ministry and Adamus Resources, granting the mining giant a 12-month reprieve.
- Daily Democrat and The Insight lead with “Mahama Rescues Adamus Resources” / “Gives Adamus Reprieve.”
- The Daily Banner and The Ghanaian Publisher frame this as a “Government Flip-Flop Questioned” or a “U-Turn.”
- The Informer reports the President “Gives Company Amnesty To Operate Under New Arrangement.”
3. NPP Internal Elections: 50 Battle for Top Posts
The race for the NPP’s national executive positions is officially underway, drawing a massive field of candidates.
- Daily Guide reports “50 Battle For NPP Top Posts,” while The Source and NewsCentra note “50 Aspirants Chase 11 Positions.”
- The Chronicle and The Daily Gist report “Afoko Files Chairmanship Papers Morrow” (Tuesday).
- In the Communications Director race, Daily Analyst and The Source report “Gordon Asare-Bediako withdraws from NPP Communications Race …Endorses Dennis Miracles Aboagye.”
- Republic Press highlights the upcoming internal vote with “50 Battle For NPP National Executive Posts.”
4. Galamsey, Security, and Public Health
- Daily Analyst leads with a tragic report: “Kakum Forest Reserve Wildlife Guard Shot Dead.”
- The Daily Statesman reports “Galamsey destroys over 100 acres of farmland,” while The Informer quotes the Interior Minister vowing to “Get Tough!” on illegal mining.
- On the health front, Daily Analyst and The Exclusive report Ghana’s plan to “Reverse 70% Medicine Imports Through 24-Hour Economy,” while Daily Democrat notes a “GMTF, Atlantic Lifesciences Partner to Cut Drug Costs.”
5. Economy, Banking, and Tax
- Graphic Business leads with a major fiscal milestone: “Ghana now spends less than 20% on servicing debt.” This is supported by The Custodian, which reports “Ghana Signs €163m Debt Restructuring Deal With Belgium.”
- B&FT highlights “Gov’t weighs lifting grain export ban …amid 70,000mt rice glut.” The paper also reports “Robust investor confidence in economy returns …local investments hit US$816m, FDIs US$2.62bn.”
- Graphic Business also flags the “23 banks, one dollar, many prices” phenomenon, exposing varying FX costs across banks.
6. Judicial and Political Fallout
- Republic Press reports the “Supreme Court clears way for legal vacation criminal trials …Dismisses Oppong Nkrumah’s injunction bid,” a ruling also confirmed by Daily Guide.
- The Daily Gist reports a tragic cross-border incident: “Man Drowns While Helping Travellers Cross Ghana-Togo River.”
Ghana News
Ghanaian Firms Inject €425,000 of Own Funds to Ignite ‘Made in Ghana’ Health Innovation
In a powerful demonstration of local ownership, Ghanaian research institutions and pharmaceutical manufacturers are contributing an additional €425,000 of their own money to implement innovative health projects, signaling a robust commitment to advancing homegrown medical solutions beyond relying on foreign aid alone.
The co-funding is part of a €2 million grant package awarded under the PharmaVax Ghana program, backed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union (EU).
The initiative is designed to bridge the critical gap between scientific discovery and industrial-scale manufacturing within Ghana.
While the grants provide vital financial fuel, the local co-investment—which ranges from €10,000 to €150,000 across the eight winning projects—represents a crucial “skin in the game” approach.
It shows that local institutions are not merely passive recipients of aid, but active stakeholders willing to risk their own capital to bring products to the market. This practical commitment underscores the sustainability of the projects, ensuring they are not abandoned once international funding cycles end.

The projects span a wide range of medical priorities, including fast-dissolving oral tablets for child-friendly malaria treatment, AI-powered diagnostic tools for Mpox and malaria, standardized herbal treatments for hypertension and liver disease, and stability data for locally produced tetanus-diphtheria vaccines.

Highlighting the importance of this local participation, Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, Chief Executive Officer of the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), emphasized that the funds are meant to catalyze local capabilities.
“Ghana has the scientific talent, the research institutions and an increasingly capable pharmaceutical industry to develop health solutions that respond to our own priorities,” he stated. “By bringing these strengths together, we are creating the foundation for medicines and vaccines that are developed in Ghana, manufactured in Ghana, and have the potential to benefit the wider region.”
Ghana’s Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, echoed this sentiment, noting that the initiative marks a journey where researchers and manufacturers collaborate to transform scientific discoveries into life-saving products.
The €425,000 in local contributions—combined with the €2 million in grants and technical assistance from the EU and Germany—positions Ghana as a rising hub for pharmaceutical industrialization in West Africa, moving the nation closer to health security and economic self-reliance.
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