The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has called on the government to withdraw with immediate effect and overhaul the nation’s healthcare system.
The Society has also called on authorities to intensify the fight against galamsey.
PSGH wants the government to integrate over 5,000 community pharmacies into the national primary healthcare system and recruit more pharmacists into the public sector.
A statement issued by PSGH referred to galamsey as a public health emergency requiring urgent attention.
PSGH made the remarks in its recommendations from the communiqué it released at the end of PSGH’s 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The event was held from September 22 to 27 at the University of Cape Coast.
It was held under the theme Strengthening Pharmacy for Primary Healthcare”, with more than 800 pharmacists, health professionals, policymakers, and academics attending.
Key among their concerns was the need for the government to develop and implement a formal framework that would make the over 5,000 registered community pharmacies across the country an integral part of the primary healthcare system—a move that could significantly enhance access to care for millions.
The PSGH is advocating for a “Pharmacy First” policy, which would see pharmacies serve as the first point of contact for minor illnesses, preventive healthcare services such as vaccinations and screening, and ongoing management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension and diabetes.
Addressing Pharmacist Shortages and Unemployment
PSGH further admonished authorities to recruit 1,621 qualified pharmacists who are currently awaiting employment by the government.
According to the Society, several of these professionals have completed their training but are unable to serve due to delays in receiving financial clearance, with some house officers waiting more than nine months for their postings.
According to the Ministry of Health, Ghana currently has a pharmacist-to-population ratio of 1:8,500, far below the World Health Organization’s recommended minimum of 1:2,000.
In the issue of galamsey, PSGH called on the government to declare illegal small-scale mining, or galamsey, a national public health emergency.
It stated that galamsey activities have led to widespread contamination of vital water sources, destruction of arable land, and increased levels of mercury and other toxins in the environment.
Data from the Water Resources Commission shows that over 60% of Ghana’s major rivers—including the Pra, Ankobra, and Offin—are now classified as heavily polluted, largely due to illegal mining. The United Nations Environment Programme estimates that environmental degradation costs Ghana up to $2 billion annually, with public health consequences ranging from increased waterborne diseases to compromised food safety and threats to local pharmaceutical manufacturing, which relies on clean water and agricultural inputs.
Additionally, PSGH proposed to the government to leverage its 24-hour economy policy to stimulate local pharmaceutical production, reduce dependency on imports (currently estimated at more than 70% of medicines consumed), and create sustainable jobs for the youth.
According to the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Ghana, the local industry currently supplies about 30% of the market, leaving the country vulnerable to global supply chain shocks.
PSGH said it remains committed to advancing pharmaceutical care and building strategic partnerships.
“In good measure, in the national interest, just for the President and his Government to keep its promise, we are asking the legitimate question. And we hope and pray that what they have promised shall be fulfilled,” the communiqué said.
Meanwhile, PSGH has also elected new leaders to superintend over its affairs.
President: Dr Paul Owusu Donkor, PhD
Vice President: Pharm. Peter Gyamfi
Honorary Treasurer: Dr Anna Naa Kwarley Quartey
Executive Member: Pharm. Lucia Addae
These new leaders succeed the outgoing team of Dr (Pharm) Samuel Kow Donkoh, Kwabena Offei Asante, Dr (Pharm) Naana Aboagye Asare, and Dr (Pharm) Richmond Adusa-Poku.
For clarity and professional recognition, the PSGH has officially adopted the title “Dr. (Pharm)” for pharmacists with a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. Those with other pharmacy qualifications will continue to use the prefix “Pharm.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
