The NITAG is chaired by Prof. Philip Baba Adongo. Other members include Prof. Anthony Kwame Enimil, Prof. Daniel Ansong, Prof. Anthony Fafa Dartey, Prof. Paulina Onvomaha Tindana, Dr Kwame Amponsa-Achiano, Dr Samuel Oko Otokunor Sackey and Rev. Dr Priscillia Awo Nortey.

The rest are Mr Stanley Kwasi Diamenu, Dr Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Dr Belinda Afriyie Nimako, Mr Martin Kusi, Mr Bernard Selasi Dzomeku, Mr Kwamena Essilfie Quaison, Dr Felix Osei-Sarpong, Dr Dennis Odai Laryea and Mr Fred Osei Sarpong.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister at the inauguration in Accra yesterday, Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, said the reconstitution marked a renewed national commitment to strengthening evidence-based immunisation policy and ensuring that Ghana’s vaccination systems remain resilient, equitable and responsive to emerging public health challenges.

He noted that since its establishment in 2018, NITAG had been instrumental in reviewing scientific evidence, providing impartial advice and guiding strategic vaccine-related decisions that shaped the country’s national immunisation programme. This, he said, had supported the introduction of new vaccines, strengthened disease surveillance and improved cold-chain systems across Ghana.

Mr Akandoh highlighted that the global health landscape was rapidly evolving, with challenges such as emerging pathogens, rising vaccine hesitancy, inequities in coverage and advances in immunisation technology requiring a more coordinated and forward-looking advisory mechanism.

“The new NITAG brings together both returning and newly appointed experts whose combined expertise positions Ghana to respond decisively to these challenges while advancing the government’s broader vision of a stronger and more equitable health system,” he said.

He further explained that the body was expected to provide high-quality, evidence-based recommendations, assess disease burdens and vaccine characteristics, and ensure that national decisions align with global best practices while addressing Ghana’s specific needs.

Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, Mr Desmond Boateng, also addressed the gathering, lauding past NITAG members for their dedicated service and technical guidance that enhanced the credibility of Ghana’s vaccine policy and contributed to high immunisation coverage.

He assured the new committee of the Ministry’s full support, including resources and an enabling environment, and urged members to remain rigorous and science-driven in their work.

The chairperson of NITAG, Prof. Adongo, expressed gratitude to the Minister, Deputy Minister and Chief Director for coordinating the renewal process. He pledged that the committee would deliver the highest level of technical expertise, build on previous achievements and continue to support Ghana’s immunisation programme with competence and dedication.

BY EUGENE AMPIAW AND PRINCE ADDO FRIMPONG