A national vaccine perception survey conducted by the National Vaccine Institute (NVI) has revealed strong public confidence in vaccines among Ghanaians, challenging perceptions of widespread vaccine hesitancy in the country.

The survey found that most Ghanaians regard vaccines as life-saving interventions and are willing to support the country’s local vaccine manufacturing agenda, expected to commence in 2027.

The study, which covered all 16 regions and 55 districts nationwide, analysed 13,905 valid responses, making it one of the most comprehensive national assessments of public attitudes toward vaccines and locally manufactured health products.

The findings were contained in a press release from the NVI copied to the Ghana News Agency in Cape Coast.

According to the report, about 89.7 percent of respondents expressed confidence in vaccines, while 94.2 percent indicated a collective responsibility to ensure vaccine availability.

Additionally, 71.3 percent said they would be willing to accept and use vaccines manufactured in Ghana, demonstrating strong public readiness for locally produced vaccines.

The survey also revealed high levels of trust in healthcare professionals and national regulatory institutions.

About 87.8 percent of respondents expressed confidence in doctors and nurses who administer vaccines, while many also indicated trust in the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).

The report noted that such institutional trust provided a solid foundation for Ghana’s vaccine manufacturing agenda and positioned healthcare workers as key advocates for building confidence in locally produced vaccines.

Despite the positive perception of vaccines, the survey revealed low public awareness regarding Ghana’s plans to manufacture vaccines locally.

Only 14.3 percent of respondents were aware that Ghana was building local vaccine manufacturing capacity ahead of the planned 2027 rollout.

The findings, therefore, underscored the need for intensified nationwide awareness campaigns to educate the public on Ghana’s vaccine manufacturing efforts and address misinformation.

The survey further showed regional variations in vaccine acceptance, with urbanised regions such as Greater Accra, Central, and Ashanti Regions recording comparatively lower vaccine acceptance despite higher access to information.

In contrast, respondents in Northern Ghana and regions such as the Oti Region demonstrated stronger trust and acceptance of vaccines.

Researchers said the trend highlighted the need for targeted and context-specific communication strategies across the country.

The study also identified barriers that could affect vaccine uptake, including vaccine costs, distance to vaccination centres, and concerns about vaccine storage and transportation systems, particularly in rural areas.

The NVI is therefore expected to work with stakeholders to strengthen cold chain infrastructure and improve storage and transportation systems to maintain public trust.

Dr Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, Chief Executive Officer of the NVI, said Ghana already had a strong foundation of vaccine confidence but needed to bridge awareness and trust gaps regarding locally manufactured vaccines.

He said targeted policy interventions and communication strategies were needed to address misinformation, cost barriers,s and regional disparities to encourage vaccine uptake.

Dr Sodzi-Tettey expressed appreciation to the GHS, FDA, and the World Health Organization (WHO) for their support of the institute.

The NVI plans to roll out a nationwide awareness and acceptance campaign involving government institutions, development partners, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, community leaders, the private sector, and the media.

The survey findings come at a time when Ghana’s pharmaceutical sector is transitioning toward vaccine self-sufficiency, with locally manufactured vaccines expected to be launched in 2027.

The initiative also aligns with the African Union’s Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing agenda, which aims to ensure that at least 60 per cent of Africa’s vaccines are produced locally by 2040.