The Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA) Association has formalized a strategic partnership with the Pharmacy Council of Ghana to advance healthcare and pharmaceutical standards across Ghana and the wider West African region.
The partnership, sealed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on November 7, 2024, in Accra, marks a significant step toward improving healthcare delivery in the region through joint initiatives, collaborative efforts, and knowledge exchange.
The MoU establishes a collaborative framework between China and Ghana, focusing on strengthening the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors in both countries. Key objectives include the promotion of academic exchanges, creation of training programs, and fostering research, which will enhance the overall quality of care across West Africa by leveraging international expertise.
The agreement was signed by Mrs. Doris Fosu-Hemaa Addae-Afoakwa, Board Chair of the Pharmacy Council of Ghana, and Dr. Daniel Amaning Danquah, Registrar of the Council, while HCOWA Association was represented by Mr. David Tai, Director, and Mr. Prince Dogbey, Marketing Manager. Both parties expressed optimism for the partnership, highlighting the importance of their collaboration in addressing healthcare challenges across the region.
The Pharmacy Council of Ghana, established under the Health Professions Regulatory Bodies Act of 2013 (ACT 857), serves as the principal regulatory body for the pharmacy profession in the country. With a mission to regulate and control the practice of pharmacy, the Council ensures that the highest standards of pharmaceutical care are upheld, contributing significantly to the improvement of public health in Ghana.
HCOWA Association, on the other hand, brings together healthcare professionals from diverse sectors including medicine, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and manufacturing; thereby, facilitating collaboration to enhance healthcare delivery across West Africa. Through strengthened partnerships with key organizations like the Pharmacy Council of Ghana, HCOWA Association is positioning itself as a catalyst for positive change in the region’s healthcare industry, working towards modernizing practices, upgrading infrastructure, and improving patient outcomes.
In a brief remark following the signing, Dr. Daniel Amaning Danquah, Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Ghana, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership, stating, “I am glad that we are signing this partnership and hope it will lead to fruitful outcomes. The Council is very much invested in improving the course of healthcare through the pharmaceutical industry, and this partnership is a step in the right direction.”
He added, “The Pharmacy Council is always open to brilliant discussions and partnerships aimed at the development of healthcare through the pharmacy sector.”
Mr. David Tai, Director of HCOWA Association, also emphasized the organization’s commitment to driving change in the healthcare sector. He remarked that HCOWA Association is prepared to offer various forms of support that will contribute to the growth and development of the pharmaceutical sector in the region.
The partnership focuses on upgrading pharmaceutical establishments and supporting the growth of the pharmacy sector in Ghana and West Africa. HCOWA Association will assist the Pharmacy Council in facilitating the donation of modern pharmaceutical equipment and resources to improve the capacity of local institutions. Additionally, the collaboration emphasizes policy advocacy, seeking to drive reforms in pharmaceutical practices and improve the accessibility of essential pharmaceutical services across the region. This mutual commitment will ensure better access to high-quality pharmaceutical care, benefiting both professionals and the wider population.
Moreover, the partnership aims to enhance networking opportunities for healthcare professionals in the region. One of the standout initiatives is the involvement of the Pharmacy Council in HCOWA Association’s annual Medical and Health Industry Investment Summit and Expo. This event serves as a significant platform for professionals to network, exchange ideas, and explore collaborative opportunities to drive innovation in healthcare and the pharmaceutical sectors.
Through such events, HCOWA Association and the Pharmacy Council of Ghana aim to build a robust network of healthcare professionals who can work together to address the pressing health challenges facing the region. This collaboration also aligns with HCOWA’s broader vision of promoting shared responsibility and joint cooperation to advance healthcare across the West African sub-region.
By working closely with both the private and public sectors, HCOWA Association aims to create a sustainable and efficient healthcare system that meets the needs of the population, while also driving economic growth through the development of healthcare-related industries.
As both organizations embark on this partnership, they are committed to a future of collective action and meaningful progress. Together, HCOWA Association and the Pharmacy Council of Ghana will continue to work towards advancing healthcare practices, improving access to pharmaceutical care, and ensuring both sectors are well-equipped to tackle the evolving challenges in the healthcare landscape.
The partnership between HCOWA Association and the Pharmacy Council of Ghana marks the beginning of a promising new chapter in the region’s healthcare journey. With shared objectives, clear commitments, and a shared dedication to improvement, both organizations are poised to make a lasting impact on healthcare standards and the delivery of pharmaceutical care across West Africa.
