Ghana pilots WHO clinical trial benchmarking tool to strengthen research capacity
Ghana is one of eight countries selected by the World Health Organization WHO to pilot a new tool designed to assess and enhance institutional capacity for conducting clinical trials. The National Vaccine Institute NVI is leading the pilot in Ghana, aiming to help institutions identify strengths and gaps in systems crucial for ethical, efficient, and scientifically rigorous clinical research. The draft WHO benchmarking tool evaluates systems and capabilities underpinning clinical research across seven functional areas, including patient engagement, scientific research design, and regulatory oversight, comprising 32 functional objectives and 112 specific outcomes. A training workshop was held in Ho, Volta Region, to introduce the tool to institutional teams, followed by a comprehensive assessment from August 10 to 13, 2026, involving 13 Ghanaian institutions. The NVI stated that the exercise supports capacity development and continuous improvement within Ghana鈥檚 clinical research ecosystem, rather than ranking institutions. Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, Chief Executive Officer of NVI, linked the initiative to Ghana鈥檚 long-term goals for vaccine development and manufacturing, starting with fill-and-finish operations. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, Deputy Minister of Health, emphasized the importance of strengthening institutional systems for health sovereignty, while Dr. Angela Ackon, WHO Technical Officer for Integrated Service Delivery, noted the exercise would help institutions assess
