Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh says the COVID-19 outbreak exposed a critical weakness, noting that nations unable to manufacture key medicines remain highly exposed in times of crisis.

He made the remarks while delivering the keynote address at the African Trade Summit, held under the theme “Health Security as Industrial Strategy: Manufacturing Medicines for Africa and the World.”

The Juabosso Member of Parliament stressed that overreliance on external sources for essential medical supplies carries heavy consequences, including loss of lives, reduced employment opportunities and economic disruption.

According to Mr Akandoh, President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda directly addresses these challenges by prioritising domestic pharmaceutical and vaccine production.

He said the President’s approach is anchored in targeted investments and clear policy frameworks aimed at building a strong local manufacturing base to secure long-term health independence.

The Health Minister added that advancing health-focused industrial development is key to strengthening healthcare systems, creating jobs and enabling African countries to shape their own medical destiny.