Story by, Paul Mensah Nsor
Accra, Ghana - The Community Pharmacy Practice Association (CPPA) launched its third annual Community Pharmacy Month celebration today, highlighting the expanding role of pharmacists in Ghana's healthcare system. Under the theme "We are doing more, so consult your pharmacist," the event emphasized pharmacists' critical contributions to primary healthcare.
Dr. Emmanuel Kwaku Ireland, Community Pharmacy Practice Association Chairman, outlined significant achievements, including training nearly 1,000 pharmacies in vaccination services and 300 pharmacists in medication therapy management.
The celebration also served as a poignant moment to honor fallen pharmacists, including Snr. Pharm. Ted Benasko, CEO of Benswett Pharmacy and Pharm. Dr. Nana Michael Agyekum Addo, Founder of KAMA Group of Companies.who played pivotal roles in the association's development.
A key focus was the ongoing #HirePharmacistNow campaign, drawing attention to the critical shortage of pharmacists in the public sector. Despite over 4,300 early career professionals ready to serve, Ghana currently operates with only around 1,300 pharmacists across 10,000 healthcare facilities.
Planned events include a virtual scientific symposium, leadership seminars, health outreach programs, and family outdoor games, demonstrating the association's commitment to professional development and community engagement.
The objectives of the Community Pharmacy Month Celebration (CPMC) 2025 are to equip pharmacies with the latest knowledge and skills to better serve the community, raise awareness about the critical role of community pharmacists in primary healthcare, and highlight the unique and significant contributions of community pharmacy practice to national development.
CPPA Chairman noted that the services provided by pharmacists are not free but are for a fee. He also thanked partners, including the Health Community of West Africa Association, for their support and collaboration.
The celebration of Community Pharmacy Month is a call to action for policymakers to strengthen the role of pharmacists in public health, for communities to seek their counsel, and for the industry to recognize the vital role pharmacists play in healthcare.
The pharmaceutical community is mourning the tragic loss of Pharmacist Mohammed Zia-UlHak Zibrim, Chief Executive Officer of Zimax Pharmacy in Bolgatanga.
According to Pharm. Dr. Emmanuel Kwaku Ireland, Chairman of the CPPA, Zibrim was fatally shot in his vehicle outside his residence on June 5, 2025.
Dr. Ireland has issued a heartfelt plea to the Inspector General of Police (IGP)to take immediate action to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the crime. He emphasized the need for justice to be served, ensuring that the perpetrators face the consequences of their actions.
This tragic incident has sparked outrage and concern within the community, with many calling for swift and decisive action to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Pharm. Charles Annor, Vice Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH), emphasized that pharmacists are often misunderstood and underappreciated, with some people viewing them as mere shopkeepers in white coats.
He said, pharmacists are the unsung heroes of healthcare, working behind the scenes to prevent drug interactions, decipher doctors’ handwriting, and ensure that patients take their medication safely and effectively.
“We are the difference between the public and disaster when it comes to healthcare,” Annor said. “While doctors diagnose and nurses care, pharmacists are the guardians, secretly whispering warnings to prevent harm.”
The event, partnered with the Health Community of West Africa Association, underscores the evolving role of pharmacists in providing comprehensive healthcare services beyond traditional dispensing.