The Parliamentary Select Committee on Health has commended Atlantic Lifesciences Limited for its expanding role in boosting Ghana’s pharmaceutical sovereignty, following a working tour of the company’s state-of-the-art sterile manufacturing facility on Tuesday, November 11.
Committee Chairman, Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane described the company as a strategic national asset and said the visit reaffirmed Parliament’s confidence in the ability of Ghanaian pharmaceutical firms to meet global standards.
“What we have seen today assures us that Ghana has the capacity to produce world-class sterile medicines. Atlantic Lifesciences is operating with strict adherence to WHO’s current Good Manufacturing Practices, and that is commendable.”
Atlantic Lifesciences is Ghana’s leading manufacturer of sterile pharmaceutical products, producing intravenous infusions, eye/ear/nasal drops, small-volume parenterals, vaccines, biological products, and anaesthetic solutions. The facility is routinely inspected by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to ensure compliance with international standards.
Dr. Nawaane emphasized that the company’s growth is crucial in reducing Ghana’s reliance on imported medical supplies.
He said, “A country is only as healthy as its pharmaceutical backbone. When we can produce our own infusions, vaccines, and other essential sterile products, we safeguard our supply chain and strengthen national health security.”
He urged sustained government support for the sector.
“This is not just a factory; it is part of Ghana’s health infrastructure. We must support institutions that uphold high standards and contribute significantly to public health,” he added.
Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic Lifesciences, Mr. Dhananjay Tripalki, welcomed the Committee and expressed gratitude for Parliament’s ongoing engagement with the private sector.
Mr. Tripalki noted that the company now manufactures numerous essential medicines that previously had to be imported.
“Many of the products we are manufacturing are lifesaving infusions, injections, analgesics, and anaesthetic medicines. Recently, we have also started producing biological products such as proteins and vaccines,” he stated.
The company, he said, employs over 600 Ghanaians and collaborates with universities across the country to train future professionals.
The CEO appealed for government intervention in several areas needed to support expansion, particularly as the company prepares to produce antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and new antibiotics locally.
“We now have the capacity to manufacture medicines that were supplied to Ghana by donor agencies. What we need is government intervention, perhaps through the Development Bank or EXIM Bank, to support the new plant,” he said.
He identified water supply constraints as a major challenge, indicating that the company’s consumption is about 5,000 litres daily, and that although supply has been made available, it is not enough.
Mr. Tripalki also called for a review of L.I. 2255, which places fees on imported packaging materials used by local manufacturers, while imported finished medicines are exempt.
“If this regulation is reviewed, it will greatly support local pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturers,” he noted.
Dr. Nawaane praised the company’s progress and pledged the Committee’s support. He assured the company that its concerns would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities.