Residents of the Bono Region are weighing in on Ghana’s push for vaccine production and health sovereignty, as journalists in 55 districts conduct community interviews to gauge public readiness for locally manufactured vaccines.
Ghana, through the National Vaccine Institute, is preparing for the production and eventual rollout of “made-in-Ghana” vaccines.
Officials say the goal is to strengthen health security, improve access to life-saving immunization, and reduce reliance on imports.
In Sunyani, the Bono Regional capital, citizens shared mixed views.
While many expressed doubts, others welcomed the idea of local production, citing national pride, sovereignty, and the need for effective regulatory oversight.
The interviews are guided by a 13-question survey for journalists, probing awareness of the National Vaccine Institute, perceptions of vaccination, common misconceptions, and trust in information sources such as health workers, the media, and traditional leaders.
Respondents interviewed by Emmanuel Afari of Sunyani-based ARK FM also spoke about challenges accessing vaccines, including distance, transport costs, and long queues at health centres.
*Mixed Reactions from Residents*
Joel Fei, a Medical Laboratory Scientist and HIV Focal Person at Yawhima Health Centre in Sunyani, said he is aware of the National Vaccine Institute and described it as the government agency mandated to produce domestic vaccines.
On vaccine safety information, Fei said he relies mostly on social media through certified handles such as the Ghana Health Service.
He also cited traditional media, saying he would trust any information issued by the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, GBC.
When asked why he chooses that media house, he said GBC is a state-owned broadcaster with trusted and accurate information.
According to him, he prefers local manufactured medicines to foreign products.
“I trust vaccines made locally because of our weather and storage conditions. Local manufacturers will produce vaccines that suit Ghana’s climate unlike foreign vaccines, so I believe safety and efficacy will be considered,” he said.
Fei added that Ghana producing its own vaccines would reduce dependence on imports and improve access during health emergencies.
He recommended intensified public education to address misconceptions and false information, which he said drive many residents away from vaccination.
Another interviewee, Daniel Ansu Kyeremeh, an aspiring regional party chairman, said he would accept locally made vaccines because regulatory bodies like the World Health Organization would certify them as safe and effective before use.
Citing regulatory measures, Kyeremeh described local herbal medicine as effective and expressed optimism that locally produced vaccines would deliver similar results.
“For years we have come to believe that our local herbal medicine is what we have used to cure illness. Likewise, I trust that local vaccines will also have that efficacy,” he said.
Mr. Kyeremeh said although he had not heard of the National Vaccine Institute before, he was aware that a government institution had been tasked to manufacture local vaccines.
Kyeremeh acknowledged claims that vaccines cause infertility and sexual dysfunction, but labelled them misconceptions.
*Skepticism Persists*
However, Jeniffer Damoah, a trader and nursing mother, said she had not heard of the National Vaccine Institute and doubted its capacity to produce effective vaccines.
According to her, she will not trust made-in-Ghana vaccines, arguing that Ghana lacks industrial machines and experts to produce safe vaccines.
Jennifer added that she would not accept locally produced vaccines due to fears they could affect her fertility.
“There are a lot of locally made medicines on the market. We have been taking them, but our sickness and problems still persist and are increasing. I don’t believe in any of them,” she stressed
