The Community Practice Pharmacists Association (CPPA) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH), in partnership with the Health Community of West Africa Association (HCOWAA), have officially launched the 3rd Community Pharmacy Month Celebration under the theme “We Are Doing More—Consult Your Pharmacist!”.
The launch, held at the British Council Hall in Accra, brought together health professionals, pharmacists, policymakers and stakeholders from across the healthcare spectrum. The event highlighted the expanding role of community pharmacists as vital contributors to primary healthcare delivery in Ghana.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Emmanuel Kwaku Ireland, Chairman of the CPPA, underscored the critical services pharmacists now provide beyond dispensing medicines. He noted that close to a thousand pharmacists have been trained to administer vaccinations, while hundreds more have specialized in medication therapy management and reproductive health services. “Indeed, we are doing more,” Dr. Ireland emphasized, citing initiatives ranging from chronic disease management to triage and self-care support. He also took the opportunity to call on the Ministry of Health to address the longstanding lack of recruitment in the public sector, echoing the #HirePharmacistsNow campaign that advocates for the employment of over 4,300 qualified pharmacists.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Martha Gyansa-Lutterodt, former Director of Technical Coordination at the Ministry of Health, encouraged pharmacists to leverage technology and integrated care planning to further improve patient outcomes. She highlighted the importance of collaboration with district health teams, the adoption of electronic health records, and the use of data analytics to inform public health strategies. “The community pharmacist remains the first point of call and a game changer in the era of universal healthcare,” she noted, urging practitioners to demonstrate the impact of their work through improved customer experience and community engagement.
HCOWAA’s Vice President, Prince Opoku Dogbey, reiterated the association’s commitment to strengthening pharmaceutical practice across the region. He announced plans to roll out Artificial Intelligence-powered supply chain systems that will improve inventory management, medicine tracking, and cold chain logistics. HCOWAA is also pursuing strategic partnerships to establish pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities in Ghana, an initiative aimed at boosting local production and ensuring medicine security.
Beyond speeches, the launch featured a vibrant networking session and a bazaar where pharmacists showcased products and services demonstrating their evolving role in healthcare. Activities lined up for the month include a scientific symposium on opioid stewardship, health outreach programs, and a celebration gala night in Accra.
The ceremony also paused to honour the memory of distinguished pharmacists who have contributed to the growth of the profession, including Pharm. Dr. Nana Michael Agyekum Addo and Snr. Pharm. Ted Benasko, whose legacies were fondly recalled.
As the celebrations unfold, stakeholders echoed a collective call to the public to recognize pharmacists as accessible, trusted partners in health. “Long live community pharmacy,” Dr. Ireland declared, “and long live the collective effort to build a healthier Ghana.”
With its initiatives, HCOWAA is bridging Ghana’s healthcare gap through programs and partnerships that empower community pharmacists and improve access to healthcare services. By working together, we can create a healthier Ghana and ensure that everyone has access to high-quality care.
