President John Dramani Mahama has declared that Africa’s vision of building a strong pharmaceutical manufacturing industry is steadily becoming a reality, urging the continent to move beyond commitments and take concrete steps toward producing its own medicines and medical supplies.
Speaking at Day Two of the African Union Extraordinary Summit, President Mahama said Africa could no longer afford its heavy dependence on imported pharmaceuticals and essential health commodities, describing the current situation as a major vulnerability.
He stressed that expanding local pharmaceutical manufacturing is crucial to achieving health security, accelerating industrialisation, creating jobs for the continent’s growing youth population, and driving long-term economic transformation.
President Mahama also expressed concern over the decline in development assistance for health, noting that many African countries still rely heavily on external funding to support their healthcare systems. He described the changing global funding landscape as a defining moment that demands bold, homegrown solutions.
According to the President, investment in healthcare should be viewed not only as a social responsibility but also as a catalyst for economic growth and resilience. He called on African leaders to translate their commitments into practical action to strengthen the continent’s health systems and reduce dependence on external support.
President Mahama maintained that Africa’s pharmaceutical manufacturing agenda has moved beyond being “a mere scribble on paper” and is now on a path toward becoming a reality through sustained collaboration and investment.
By: Bernard Mensah
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