The National Vaccine Institute (NVI) has taken a decisive step toward robust vaccine independence with the official inauguration of the Steering Committee for the Clinical Trials Project.
This high-level body, established in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) Ghana, is tasked with overseeing a critical new initiative funded by the European Union under its MAV+ programme.
The newly formed committee is charged with a vital mission: to guide the comprehensive assessment of Ghana’s current clinical trial capabilities and identify specific opportunities to upgrade national systems.
Beyond assessment, the Committee will serve as the strategic compass for the project, ensuring that all activities adhere to Ghana’s broader roadmap for vaccine and pharmaceutical development. A key part of their mandate involves fostering seamless inter-agency coordination, bridging the gap between government, regulatory bodies (FDA), research institutions, ethics committees, and manufacturers.
To ensure a holistic approach, the Committee comprises distinguished experts drawn from the entire spectrum of the health and industrial sectors, including the Ministry of Health, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the Ghana Health Service, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry & Agribusiness, alongside representatives from academia, the WHO, and the EU.
The National Vaccine Institute will serve as both the Chair and Secretariat of the body.
The NVI congratulates the following appointees, whose expertise will be instrumental in steering this national effort:
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Dr. Faisal Nuhu
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Prof. Samuel Essien Baidoo
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Prof. Asamoah Kusi
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Prof. Augustina Sylverken
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Prof. Evelyn Ansah
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Mr. Patrick Owusu-Danso
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Dr. Angela Ackon
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Dr. Caroline Amissah
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Mrs. Margaret Williams
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Mr. Kwesi Ofori Antwi
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Ms. Josephine Owusu-Sechere
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Representative – European Union
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Representative – Ministry of Health
The Institute extends its profound appreciation to these members for accepting the call to serve. Their dedication is pivotal to strengthening Ghana’s clinical research ecosystem and realizing the nation's long-term goals for pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing excellence.