The Health Community of West Africa Association has called for stronger partnerships among healthcare stakeholders to empower community pharmacists and expand their contribution to primary healthcare delivery across Ghana and the West African sub-region.
The call was made at the 4th Community Pharmacy Month Celebration and Bazaar 2026 held at the British Council on July 9, 2026, under the theme, “Community Pharmacists: Bridging the Gap of Primary Healthcare Delivery.”
The event brought together leading figures in the health sector, including representatives from the Ministry of Health, the National Health Insurance Authority, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH), the Pharmacy Council Ghana, the Community Practice Pharmacists Association of Ghana (CPPA), healthcare professionals, and industry stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of the President of the Health Community of West Africa Association, who is currently in China, the Vice President of Health Community of West Africa Association said community pharmacists remain a critical part of Ghana’s healthcare system because of their accessibility and close relationship with communities.
He said pharmacists have expanded their role beyond dispensing medicines to include patient counselling, health education, disease prevention, medication management, health screening, and referrals that support better health outcomes.
The Vice President further highlighted the organisation’s commitment to promoting innovation in pharmacy practice through digital health, artificial intelligence, preventive healthcare initiatives, and strategic partnerships.
He said the Health Community of West Africa Association is also working to create opportunities for collaboration between Ghana’s pharmaceutical sector and international partners, particularly through partnerships with Chinese pharmaceutical companies and healthcare institutions.
He invited members of the Community Practice Pharmacists Association of Ghana to participate in the 2026 China–West Africa Medical Summit and Expo, which will provide opportunities for investment, technology transfer, pharmaceutical research, and healthcare innovation.
Pharmacists remain essential to healthcare delivery
The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH), Pharm. Dr. Paul Owusu Donkor, said community pharmacists have become an indispensable part of Ghana’s healthcare delivery system due to their accessibility and the confidence patients place in them.
He noted that many people visit community pharmacies as their first point of contact when seeking healthcare advice, making pharmacists important partners in achieving better health outcomes.
Pharm. Dr. Donkor urged pharmacists to continue upholding professionalism, ethical practice, and patient-centred care while embracing innovations that will improve service delivery.
Community pharmacy bridges healthcare gaps
The host of the celebration, Dr. Pharm. Therestella Obosu Tei-Kwabla, said the theme of this year’s celebration reflects the important role community pharmacists play in making healthcare services available closer to the people.
She explained that community pharmacies have become trusted healthcare points where individuals receive advice, education, and support for various health needs.
Dr. Pharm. Tei-Kwabla said strengthening community pharmacy practice would help reduce pressure on hospitals and improve access to healthcare services, especially at the primary healthcare level.
Need for innovation and continuous improvement
Dr. Pharm. Emmanuel Ireland emphasised the need for pharmacists to continue adapting to changes within the healthcare sector through innovation, professional development, and collaboration.
He said the future of healthcare requires pharmacists to take on expanded responsibilities, particularly in preventive healthcare, patient education, and improving medication safety.
He encouraged community pharmacists to continue exploring new ways of improving healthcare delivery while maintaining the highest professional standards.
Government recognises pharmacists’ contribution
Delivering a speech on behalf of the Minister of Health, the representative from the Ministry said government acknowledges the important contribution of community pharmacists towards achieving universal health coverage.
He said community pharmacies serve as important access points for healthcare and that stronger collaboration between government, regulators, and pharmacy professionals would help improve health outcomes.
The Head of Pharmacy at the Ministry of Health also highlighted the evolving role of pharmacists beyond medicine supply.
He said pharmacists now contribute significantly to public health education, disease prevention, medication safety, and patient support, making them valuable partners in Ghana’s healthcare system.
Stakeholders commend community pharmacy professionals
The Chief Executive Officer of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission commended community pharmacists for their dedication and commitment to serving communities across Ghana.
He recognised the contribution of healthcare professionals to national development and encouraged continued excellence in service delivery.
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority also joined other stakeholders in recognising the importance of strengthening healthcare systems that bring services closer to the people.
The Registrar of the Pharmacy Council Ghana, Dr. Pharm. Michael Kudebong, past presidents and executives of the Community Practice Pharmacists Association of Ghana, pharmacists, healthcare professionals, and members of the media were also present at the celebration.
The event featured stakeholder engagements, exhibitions, and networking activities aimed at promoting collaboration and highlighting opportunities within the pharmacy sector.
As Ghana continues efforts to improve healthcare access, stakeholders at the celebration agreed that community pharmacists will remain vital partners in bridging gaps in primary healthcare delivery and ensuring that quality healthcare reaches more communities.
