As part of the 2025 Community Pharmacy Month celebrations, the Community Practice Pharmacists Association (CPPA), in collaboration with the Early Career Pharmaceutical Group (ECPG), organized a Leadership and Professional Development Seminar at the British Council on Wednesday, 16th July,2025.
The seminar, which brought together community pharmacists and stakeholders, aimed to inspire leadership, encourage innovation, and strengthen the professional capacity of pharmacists across Ghana.
Chairing the event, Pharm. Mrs. Doris Attafua commended the pharmaceutical fraternity for its growth and contributions to healthcare, calling the progress “admirable.” She encouraged participants to engage openly and share ideas that would move the profession forward.
In his keynote address, Pharm. Dr. Emmanuel Kwaku Ireland, Chairman of CPPA, delivered a compelling call to action. He emphasized that the role of the pharmacist has evolved significantly and now includes responsibilities as clinical service providers, public health educators, and digital health innovators. He challenged pharmacists to strengthen their leadership capabilities and embrace artificial intelligence (AI) to improve healthcare delivery.
Representing the Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA), Mr. Prince Opoku Dogbey, Vice President, praised the initiative, noting that the event’s objectives align closely with HCOWA’s mission. He emphasized the pharmacist’s role as the first point of care in many communities, describing them as accessible, trusted, and integral to public health promotion.
Pharm. Dr. John Allotey highlighted strategic leadership principles, stressing that leadership is “a disposition, not a destination,” and that lasting impact requires collaboration and self-awareness.
Pharm. Dr. William Kofi Nti urged attendees to rise above limitations, embrace long-term thinking, and understand the power of delayed gratification in professional growth.
Wrapping up the thought leadership session, Brigadier General Pharm. Dr. Michael A. Addy emphasized action-driven leadership: “It’s not about titles—it’s about team cohesion and delivering quality services. Rally your teams around a shared vision.”
Beyond the speeches, the event featured a networking session and a bazaar, where pharmacists showcased healthcare products and services, reflecting their growing and multifaceted role within the healthcare system. The seminar was a vibrant reminder of the evolving role of community pharmacists and the importance of continuous leadership development in shaping the future of healthcare in Ghana.
HCOWAA, as an official partner, is addressing critical healthcare challenges in West Africa by spearheading impactful initiatives and empowering community pharmacists to extend essential health services to underserved populations, regardless of location or circumstance.
