A high-level gathering of policymakers, regulators, and researchers in Sogakope, Volta Region, brought renewed focus to Ghana’s efforts to transition from vaccine dependency to self-reliance. The discussion, guided by the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Ghana, Dr Fiona Braka, emphasized that strengthening vaccine manufacturing capacity is now a national priority shaped by lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed global inequalities in vaccine access and highlighted Ghana’s vulnerability during supply shortages.
The shift toward local vaccine and pharmaceutical production is seen as a strategic step for improving public health security and long-term resilience. However, participants stressed that manufacturing capacity alone is not sufficient. A strong and well-coordinated clinical trials system, supported by regulatory oversight, ethical standards, and institutional capacity, is essential to ensure that locally produced vaccines are safe, effective, and globally credible.
To advance this agenda, WHO in collaboration with Ghana’s National Vaccine Institute (NVI), organized a three-day Clinical Trials Assessment Workshop in Sogakope with support from the European Union under the Vax & Pharm Ghana Project. The workshop brought together key national institutions, including the Food and Drugs Authority, Ghana Health Service, ethics committees, academia, and clinical research bodies, to assess the country’s clinical trials ecosystem and align it with international standards.
Participants reviewed current progress in Ghana’s clinical research landscape while also identifying gaps in coordination, ethics review processes, and operational efficiency. Technical sessions introduced WHO guidelines on Good Clinical Practice, regulatory oversight, and ethical principles, alongside regional and global case studies to strengthen understanding of best practices.
A key outcome of the workshop was the introduction and adaptation of a draft WHO Clinical Trials Ecosystem Assessment Tool for Ghana’s context. Stakeholders worked together to design a national assessment plan to evaluate clinical trial capacity across institutions and regions, marking a significant step toward a more structured and coordinated system.
The CEO of the National Vaccine Institute, Dr Sodzi-Sodzi Tettey, emphasized that Ghana’s vaccine production ambitions depend on a credible clinical trials ecosystem supported by strong partnerships and effective systems. WHO reaffirmed its commitment to providing technical support and coordination to ensure alignment with global standards, while the European Union highlighted its continued backing for strengthening local capacity and ensuring Ghana’s innovations gain international recognition.
By the end of the workshop, stakeholders had developed a draft national action plan to improve clinical trials governance and operations. The initiative marks a key milestone in Ghana’s broader strategy to build a sustainable vaccine and pharmaceutical industry, ensuring that scientific advancement translates into safe, reliable, and accessible healthcare solutions for the population.
