EACDS Technical Assistance - Pharmaceuticals Policy

The government of Ghana has prioritised putting in place an appropriate policy framework to boost investment in the industrial sector, expand job creation and promote entrepreneurship opportunities for youth in particular. The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI) has therefore embarked on a comprehensive and integrated programme of transformation, which is anchored on a Ten Point Plan (TPP). The expansion of the domestic production of pharmaceuticals is among the strategic interventions that has been identified for support by the government. The Ghana pharmaceutical market size is currently estimated at USD 600 million with a compound annual growth rate of 13.9%.1 This growth is driven by the high disease burden, a higher spending on healthcare by government and partners as well as the rising income levels of families. The country is a member of the regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) with a population of 365 million and an estimated pharmaceutical market size of USD 5 billion.2 Pharmaceutical manufacturing in Ghana is considered among the most vibrant in the region, with local production supplying 33% of the national essential medicines’ requirements. The positive perception of the country’s regulatory capacity among the neighbouring countries positions the investments in the sector for export in a region where the market share of imports is currently estimated at over 70%. A recent sector analysis indicates that though specific incentives have been put in place by the government to address both the demand and supply side constraints, more needs to be done to level the playing field against imports and to attract new investments. The report further shows the industry is well established with growth opportunities in domestic and export markets and recommends further support through policy measures and attracting investments to the sector.3 The Chamber of Pharmacy and the MoTI have approached DFID among other partners seeking support for the sector. It is within this context that a call for Technical Assistance (Pharmaceutical Policy Expert) has been made. The scope of work and the key deliverables have been detailed in the ToR. This proposal outlines the Consultant’s approach, methodology and the work plan aiming at the delivery of the assignment.