South Korea’s GL RAPHA and Ghana’s Quintex Pharma have agreed to a partnership to establish a state-of-the-art biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Akuse.

The two companies have announced the formation of Quinn Biopharma Ltd, which will oversee the establishment of the facility to transform pharmaceutical manufacturing in sub-Saharan Africa.

The facility, when instituted, will ensure the production of medicines, especially those made using biological processes (like vaccines, antibodies, or cell-based treatments).

The venture is expected to create over 560 direct skilled jobs for Ghanaians and serve as a centre for pharmaceutical training and technology transfer.

This move has been welcomed by the Ministry of Health under the leadership of Hon. Mintah Akandoh, as a transformative partnership.

In a meeting with the investors on Wednesday, June 18, Hon. Mintah Akandoh underscored the project’s strategic alignment with Ghana’s national priorities particularly in strengthening pharmaceutical self-sufficiency, supporting the government’s 24-Hour Economy programme, and advancing industrialisation in the health sector.

The minister expressed strong support for the initiative, highlighting its potential to enhance access to essential medicines while positioning Ghana as a pharmaceutical production hub in West Africa.

Per reports, Ghana’s pharmaceutical sector currently meets approximately 30% of domestic pharmaceutical demand through local production, with the remaining 70% fulfilled by imports.

The biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility will reduce the country’s dependency on imports, improve emergency preparedness, and boost pharmaceutical exports across the region under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

A feasibility study for the project was conducted by a consortium comprising IQVIA, AMPC International, and PwC, with strategic financial and technical support from the Ghana Jobs and Economic Transformation (JET) Programme, an initiative of the UK Government supporting Ghana’s industrialization.

The official signing ceremony took place in Seoul, Korea, on April 29, 2025, with participation from GL RAPHA Chairman Mr. Whang Jae Gan, CEO and Head of Legal at Quintex Pharma, Dr. Kwesi Nyan Amissah-Arthur, and Ms. Emefa Mensah-Tandoh, respectively.

The others present included Team Leader and Pharmaceutical Sector Lead for Ghana Jet, Mr. Eugene Sangmortey, and Mr. Louis Nortey, respectively and Head of Strategic Sectors at the Ghana Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Mr. Kwasi Ofori-Antwi.

At the signning in ceremony, Dr. Kwesi Nyan Amissah-Arthur, said "Quinn Biopharma represents a bold step toward pharmaceutical self-sufficiency for Sub-Saharan Africa, delivering world-class medicines manufactured in Africa by Africans, for the World."

On his part, Mr. Whang Jae Gan, noted that "GL Rapha is proud to bring our advanced biotechnology to Ghana, fostering a partnership that will not only create high-quality products but also build local capacity and expertise for the future."

About Quintex Pharma

Quintex Pharma is a Delaware-based holding company with pharmaceutical manufacturing operations in Akuse, Ghana. The company is dedicated to providing high-quality generic medications and contract manufacturing services to improve healthcare access and quality in Africa.

About GL Rapha

GL Rapha Co., Ltd is a leading Korean biotechnology and pharmaceutical company specialising in the development and manufacture of advanced biologics, vaccines, and sterile injectables for global markets.

About Ghana JET

Implemented by the Palladium Group, the UK Government-funded Ghana Jobs and Economic Transformation (JET) Programme helps drive economic transformation in Ghana by facilitating private investment in strategic manufacturing sectors—such as pharmaceuticals—to create high-quality jobs.