MiKO Pharma and Siemens forge landmark pharmaceutical partnership in Ghana

Hannover, Germany – In a historic move set to redefine Ghana’s pharmaceutical industry, MiKO Pharma Gh., Ltd has entered a ground-breaking partnership with Siemens to establish cutting-edge pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities in Ghana. This collaboration marks a pivotal step toward strengthening local drug production, improving healthcare accessibility and positioning Ghana as a hub for high-quality, affordable medicines in Africa. 

The agreement, one of the most significant of its kind in Ghana, was formalized at the Hannover Messe trade show in Germany, a premier global platform for industrial innovation. The project is projected to generate over 1,000 new jobs, primarily for local talent, while stimulating economic growth in the Akosombo-Akwamu region through infrastructure development and increased business activity. 

Under the partnership, Siemens will provide advanced industrial automation, infrastructure and utility solutions to ensure MiKO Pharma’s manufacturing operations adheres to stringent World Health Organization (WHO) standards. The new plant will produce a wide range of essential medications, including treatments for hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, HIV, malaria and pain management, addressing critical healthcare gaps in the region. 

Currently, 70% of Ghana’s pharmaceutical market relies on imports, with only 30% locally produced. The Ghanaian government has set an ambitious goal to reverse this ratio over the next decade, a vision MiKO Pharma is actively advancing. This new facility will play a crucial role in achieving this objective by bolstering the local pharmaceutical industry and increasing the availability of locally manufactured medicines.

Beyond domestic supply, MiKO Pharma plans to export medicines to Europe and the Americas, cementing Ghana’s role in the global pharmaceutical supply chain and positioning the country as a key player in international drug manufacturing.

Dr. Michael K. Obeng, CEO and Founder of MiKO Pharma, emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative: "This partnership with Siemens is more than a milestone for MiKO Pharma, it’s a leap toward pharmaceutical emancipation in Africa. By producing medicines by Africans, for Africans, we are not only enhancing healthcare access but also creating jobs, driving economic growth and asserting Africa’s place in global pharmaceutical innovation. A healthy nation is indeed a wealthy nation." 

Sabine Dall’Omo, CEO of Siemens Sub-Saharan Africa, echoed this sentiment stating, "We are honoured to collaborate with MiKO Pharma on this visionary project. Leveraging Siemens’ expertise in industrial automation and smart infrastructure, will ensure the successful development of a world-class pharmaceutical facility in Ghana. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to fostering sustainable, high-impact solutions in Africa’s healthcare sector."

Willard Jackson, Executive Director of MiKO Pharma, added, "Signing this agreement in Germany was a defining moment for our team. With Siemens’ technology, we are not just constructing a facility, we are setting a new benchmark for pharmaceutical excellence in Africa, ensuring life-saving medications are produced to the highest global standards." 

MiKO Pharma’s facility will integrate eco-friendly practices, utilizing advanced technologies to minimize waste and reduce its carbon footprint. This commitment to sustainability aligns with global best practices in pharmaceutical manufacturing. 

Ghana’s pharmaceutical sector is on a rapid growth trajectory: 

• ⁠ 36 licensed manufacturing facilities and over 3,500 retail outlets (Ghana FDA, 2023).
• ⁠ Contributed 0.8% to GDP and 21.8% of total healthcare expenditure in 2023.
• ⁠ Market sales hit GH₵6.6 billion (US$571 million) in 2023, with projections to reach GH₵10.7 billion (US$735 million) by 2028 (Deloitte Ghana).

With this strategic partnership, MiKO Pharma and Siemens are set to significantly boost local pharmaceutical manufacturing, paving the way for enhanced healthcare access, job creation and economic growth in Ghana.