<<Print>>

In an effort to curb the challenges and risks associated with counterfeit medications imported from other countries. Dr. Michael K Obeng started the construction of a pharmaceutical plant in Ghana to manufacture affordable and effective, superior quality medications that meet the highest international standards, for the treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes, malaria and pain, therefore making a vital contribution in curbing and mitigating the challenges and risks associated with counterfeit medications.
 
 
The first-class pharmaceutical plant project officially commenced in 2018 when it broke ground in Kumasi, Ghana. However, it came to a halt in 2020 due to the pandemic that ravaged global economies, brought the world to its knees, claiming an unprecedented number of lives. COVID-19 gave the project a broader prospect and as the vision expanded, it became imperative to acquire bigger premises and the Paramount Chief, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III and the Akwamu State, agreed to become an equity partner and graciously donated 100 acres of land in Akwamu, which is in the Asuogyaman District in the Eastern Region of Ghana towards the building of the pharmaceutical plant.  
 
”We have always recognised the need for capacity building in healthcare and healthcare infrastructure and this initiative couldn’t have come at a better time where we all have to come together as traditional leaders, government and the private sector included to prioritise on putting our people’s healthcare in the forefront”, says Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, Paramount Chief of Akwamu State who echoes what Dr Obeng always says that ‘a healthy nation is a wealthy nation’.
 
The decline in economies was especially felt in Sub-Saharan Africa. Nearly a year and a half later the mission continues as Dr Obeng resumes his plan to build a pharmaceutical plant to strengthen pharmaceutical manufacturing in Africa in order to improve public health outcomes and to positively contribute to economic development across the African continent.
 
“If there’s one thing that the pandemic has taught us is that Africa is fertile with innovation and there’s a massive opportunity for the continent to transform its healthcare. With our broad experience in pharmaceutical product development as well as its modern research facility, we are thrilled to be part of this vision”, says Tapan Shah, Executive Director at Sushen Medicamentos, a global healthcare organisation whose focus is on drug delivery research and product development.
 
According to the Goldstein report, Africa is the only pharmaceutical market where genuinely high growth is still achievable, the value of Africa’s pharmaceutical industry jumped to USD 28.56 billion in 2017 from just USD 5.5 billion a decade earlier. That growth is continuing at a rapid pace, it has been predicted that the market will be worth USD 56 billion to USD 70 billion by 2030.
 
Over the past two decades, Africa has emerged from a troubled history to become one of the world’s fastest-growing economic regions. Africa’s GDP has been projected to grow by 3.4% in 2021, after contracting by 2.1% in 2020.