A nationwide survey conducted by the National Vaccine Institute has showed that the overwhelming majority of Ghanaians have confidence in vaccines and support efforts to manufacture them locally.
The survey, described by the institute as one of the largest vaccine perception studies ever conducted in Ghana, involved 13,905 respondents across all 16 regions and 55 districts.
According to the findings, 89.7 per cent of respondents expressed confidence in vaccines, while 94.2 per cent said they believe ensuring access to vaccines is a shared national responsibility.
Despite the high level of trust in vaccines, the study revealed low public awareness about Ghana’s plans to begin local vaccine production ahead of the expected 2027 rollout. Only 14.3 per cent of respondents said they were aware of the local vaccine manufacturing agenda.
The findings were contained in a statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the NVI, Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey.
“Ghana has a strong foundation of vaccine confidence, but success depends on bridging the awareness and trust gap for locally manufactured vaccines,” he stated.
“What is needed now is targeted policy and communication strategies to address misinformation, cost barriers, and regional disparities to encourage uptake,” he added.
Dr Sodzi-Tettey also expressed appreciation to the Ghana Health Service, the Food and Drugs Authority and the World Health Organization for supporting the institute’s work.
The survey further found that healthcare professionals continue to enjoy strong public trust, with about 87.8 per cent of respondents saying they trust doctors and nurses who administer vaccines.
Many respondents also expressed confidence in institutions such as the Ghana Health Service and the Food and Drugs Authority.
However, the report noted that awareness of Ghana’s vaccine manufacturing ambitions remains limited even as preparations continue toward local production in 2027.
According to the NVI, the findings underscore the need for sustained public education campaigns to counter misinformation and build confidence in Ghana-made vaccines.
The study also highlighted regional differences in vaccine acceptance. Urban regions such as Greater Accra, Ashanti and Central recorded relatively lower acceptance levels despite wider access to information, while rural communities in northern Ghana and the Oti Region showed stronger trust and acceptance.
Respondents indicated that seeing Ghanaian scientists and local production facilities actively involved in vaccine manufacturing would significantly increase confidence in locally produced vaccines.
The survey also identified major barriers to vaccine uptake, including the cost of vaccines, long travel distances to vaccination centres and concerns over storage and transportation systems, especially cold-chain infrastructure in rural communities.
The NVI stressed the importance of strengthening vaccine storage and distribution systems to maintain public trust and ensure effective nationwide delivery.
Ahead of the planned 2027 rollout, the institute says it will launch a nationwide awareness and acceptance campaign focused on tackling misinformation, improving public understanding of local vaccine production and encouraging national support for the initiative.
The campaign is expected to involve government institutions, development partners, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, community leaders, the private sector and the media.
According to the NVI, the survey provides important baseline data that will guide future communication and behaviour-change strategies aimed at improving vaccine acceptance across the country.
Ghana’s vaccine manufacturing agenda also forms part of the African Union’s Partnership for African Vaccine Manufacturing initiative, which seeks to ensure that at least 60 per cent of vaccines used across Africa are produced locally by 2040.
Dr Sodzi-Tettey said the findings show that Ghanaians are prepared to support the country’s efforts toward vaccine self-sufficiency.
“The planned production of locally manufactured vaccines in 2027 is not only about health security. It is about national pride, scientific advancement, economic resilience, and Africa’s determination to take control of its health future,” he said.
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Read the full survey below:
