By Victoria Agyemang
Cape Coast, June 11, GNA – Some Ghanaians are unaware of the country’s plans to manufacture vaccines locally, while others have expressed reservations about choosing locally produced vaccines over internationally manufactured ones, a community survey has revealed.
The findings emerged from interviews conducted across selected communities in the Central Region as part of efforts to gauge public awareness, perceptions, and readiness towards Ghana’s local vaccine manufacturing agenda.
Although Ghana is positioning itself to become a vaccine-producing nation to strengthen health security and reduce dependence on imports, many respondents admitted they had little or no knowledge about ongoing efforts to establish local vaccine production facilities.
Mr Kojo Sekyere Koi Thompson, the Central Regional Director of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), described the move as “a good initiative” to reduce cost and shortages when the need arises, but stressed that technology had advanced more internationally.
“Most of the vaccines I know come from abroad and are of international standards and quality, so I would naturally trust those more,” he said.
Mr Thompson said Ghana should, therefore, prove beyond doubt that the vaccines would be safe and effective, taking the populace through the various stages of production processes among others for high acceptance.
Some respondents associated vaccine quality with foreign manufacturing standards, indicating a lack of confidence in locally produced alternatives despite acknowledging the potential benefits of local production.
Mr Eric Cudjo, a student at the University of Cape Coast, said while supporting local industries was important, assurance of quality and safety should be critical.
“If the vaccines meet international standards and are approved by health authorities, I will take them. But for now, many people may still prefer foreign vaccines because they are more familiar with them,” the student said
Others cited concerns about quality control, effectiveness, and the country’s capacity to produce vaccines comparable to those developed internationally.
Mr George Anane Coleman, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Upper Denkyira East, called for vigorous measures such as community engagement to ensure the message went down well to Ghanaians to increase vaccine acceptance.
He said the myths and misconceptions about vaccines made acceptance difficult, therefore everyone should be informed and made aware about the move to produce the vaccine for increased acceptance.
Mr Anane Coleman had trust in the national system, noting that there were more companies producing local drugs and medicines being consumed without any complications.
Health communication experts say such perceptions highlight the need for sustained public education and transparency as Ghana advanced its vaccine manufacturing ambitions.
They explained that vaccine confidence was often influenced by awareness, trust in institutions, and access to accurate information, making public engagement a key component of successful national vaccine rollout programmes.
Despite the concerns raised, some respondents expressed optimism about the initiative, noting that local vaccine production could improve access, reduce shortages, and strengthen the country’s response to future disease outbreaks.
A health worker who wanted anonymity described local vaccine manufacturing as a significant step towards national self-reliance.
“Producing vaccines locally can reduce delays during health emergencies and help save lives. However, the public must be adequately informed about the processes, standards, and safeguards involved,” the health worker said.
The survey findings suggest that while there is general support for Ghana’s aspiration to achieve vaccine sovereignty, considerable work remained to build public confidence and increase awareness.
Stakeholders say addressing misinformation, communicating scientific evidence clearly, and demonstrating adherence to international quality standards will be essential in gaining public trust and encouraging acceptance of locally manufactured vaccines.
As Ghana moves closer to producing vaccines domestically, experts believe citizen engagement and public education will play a crucial role in determining the success of the country’s vaccine manufacturing agenda.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Benjamin Mensah