The designated Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu led a government delegation to receive the remittance.
When the plane with the vaccines landed, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation state journalist Abdul Hayi-Moomen declared: “The flight with the vaccines we are so looking forward to receiving, I believe hope has arrived.”
The vaccines were produced by the Serum Institute of India in the Indian city of Pune, and are part of the first batch of Covid-19 vaccines aimed at low- and middle-income countries, the joint statement added.
“Today marks the historic moment for which we have planned and worked so hard,” said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore. “With the first batch of doses, we can deliver on the COVAX Facility’s promise to ensure that people from less wealthy countries are not left behind in the race for life-saving vaccines.”
Vaccines will be administered first to healthcare professionals, people over 60 and those with underlying health problems, according to a statement from the Ministry of Information. They also plan to secure additional vaccines through external agencies, the statement said.
Last month, India and the African Union announced plans for the Serum Institute to provide 400 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines to Africa.