National Vaccine Institute pledges strict adherence to safety and quality standards in local vaccine production

Dr Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, Chief Executive Officer of the National Vaccine Institute, has assured that the Institute will not compromise on healthcare quality or safety standards in its vaccine manufacturing processes.

He said the Institute was working closely with regulators to ensure full compliance with quality and safety systems used in global vaccine production. Speaking at a journalists’ training on vaccine communication and advocacy, Dr Sodzi-Tettey emphasised that Ghana would follow every technical and procedural step as it embarks on local vaccine manufacturing.

“No steps will be missed, especially as we go through the first manufacturing process,” he said, adding that the Institute was receiving the best technical support available.

The two-day training, organised under the auspices of the African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN), Ghana Health Service (GHS), and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), aimed to equip journalists with accurate knowledge and communication skills to promote vaccine confidence.

Dr Sodzi-Tettey outlined key stages of vaccine development, from research, proof of concept, and testing to manufacturing, approval, usage, and post-market safety monitoring, noting that each stage would be “rigidly upheld.” He said that with all processes and infrastructure underway, Ghana’s first locally produced vaccine was expected by 2026.

He further stated that President John Mahama had given the Institute the mandate to position Ghana as a vaccine-producing nation and ensure preparedness for future pandemics.

Highlighting the importance of media engagement, Dr Sodzi-Tettey said journalists must be well-informed to dispel misconceptions and misinformation surrounding vaccines. “We want to get to the point where we build expectations within the population for the vaccine that we are going to manufacture locally,” he added.

Dr Charity Binka, Executive Secretary of AMMREN, described the collaboration with the National Vaccine Institute as a “shining example” of what could be achieved when institutions work together to ensure access to accurate information and build public trust in vaccines.

She said AMMREN had expanded its focus to include vaccine communication and advocacy, recognising vaccines as a cornerstone of public health. Journalists are a vital link between science and society. When the media is well-informed, the public is well-protected,” she stated.

Dr Binka explained that the training sought to strengthen participants’ capacity to understand vaccine science, communicate effectively, counter misinformation, and report with empathy. It also aimed to equip journalists to use data and storytelling to build trust and sustain vaccine confidence in partnership with health authorities.

She reaffirmed that vaccines remain one of the most effective public health tools in history, saving millions of lives and reducing preventable diseases. However, vaccine hesitancy and misinformation continue to threaten progress across Africa.

“In some communities, rumours and fear have led parents to refuse life-saving vaccines for their children,” she noted. “Through responsible reporting, the media has the power to demystify vaccines, counter myths and misinformation, and inspire communities to make informed health decisions.”