By Jone Anlimah
Ghana is advancing its efforts to build a resilient vaccine ecosystem through strategic international partnerships, following a high-level engagement between the National Vaccine Institute (NVI) and Oxford University’s Clinical BioManufacturing Facility (CBF).
During a recent visit to the United Kingdom, representatives of the NVI led by Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, the CEO held discussions with leading scientists and facility managers at the CBF, focusing on Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and their application in vaccine development and production.
The engagement, led by Professor Cath Green, Head of the Clinical BioManufacturing Facility, provided Ghana’s delegation with critical insights into establishing a first-in-human, GMP-compliant biomanufacturing facility. Such a facility is expected to play a pivotal role in vaccine research, development, and human capacity building in the country.
Officials at the NVI say the discussions reaffirmed the importance of embedding a strong quality culture in Ghana’s vaccine manufacturing ambitions. They noted that linking such a facility with commercial manufacturers could significantly strengthen health systems to respond effectively to pandemics, as well as endemic and epidemic diseases.
The Oxford facility, which brings over two decades of experience in GMP vaccine manufacturing, is expected to support Ghana through knowledge exchange and technical collaboration as the country works to operationalise its vaccine development agenda.
The visit also explored opportunities for collaboration with the Oxford Vaccine Group (OVG), led by Professor Maheshi Ramasamy, particularly in the area of clinical trials. Plans are underway for Ghanaian scientists to partner with OVG on vaccine trials, including research into Lassa fever vaccines.
The NVI has expressed optimism about the growing partnership, citing Ghana’s strong political commitment, the enthusiasm of its young scientific workforce, and the opportunities presented through collaboration with global institutions.
The Institute extended appreciation to key individuals and teams at Oxford University for their contributions to the engagement, describing the discussions as insightful and instrumental in shaping Ghana’s path toward vaccine self-reliance.
Authorities say the partnership marks an important step in Ghana’s long-term strategy to enhance local vaccine production and contribute to global health security.
