About 89.7 per cent of Ghanaians trust vaccines, while 87.8 per cent trust doctors and nurses, a nationwide survey by the National Vaccine Institute (NVI) has revealed.
The survey also shows that 71.3 per cent of respondents are willing to accept and use Made-in-Ghana vaccines once production begins.
However, only 14.3 per cent of respondents are aware of Ghana’s plan to produce its own vaccines ahead of the 2027 rollout.
The study, which covered all 16 regions and 55 districts with 13,905 valid responses, points to strong public confidence in vaccines and key health institutions, including the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).
According to the NVI, the findings challenge the perception of widespread vaccine hesitancy in the country, instead indicating broad acceptance of vaccines as essential for public health protection.
The survey, however, identified key challenges that could affect vaccine uptake.
These include distance to health facilities, cost concerns, and difficulties linked to vaccine storage and transportation, particularly cold chain systems in rural areas.
It also recorded regional variations, with Greater Accra and the Central Region showing comparatively lower acceptance levels, while parts of the northern regions and the Oti Region recorded stronger acceptance despite infrastructural challenges.
The findings further show that many respondents would have greater confidence in vaccines if Ghanaian scientists and local production facilities are visibly involved in manufacturing.
Chief Executive Officer of the NVI, Dr Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, said the results provide a strong foundation for Ghana’s vaccine manufacturing agenda but highlight the urgent need to improve public awareness.
He said targeted communication and education will be critical ahead of the planned 2027 rollout of local vaccine production.
The NVI said it will roll out a nationwide awareness campaign in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service, Food and Drugs Authority, World Health Organization, development partners, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, the private sector and the media.
The campaign will focus on addressing misinformation, improving understanding of local vaccine production, and strengthening public confidence in the health system.
