The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH), in keeping with its leadership role in promoting access to safe, effective, and affordable medicines, convened a strategic Pharmaceutical Sector Stakeholders Forum on June 3, 2025. The forum focused on the implications of the Ghanaian cedi’s recent appreciation on medicine pricing and brought together key actors across the pharmaceutical value chain — from manufacturers and wholesalers to importers, community pharmacies, as well as experts from the banking sector.

The forum served as a platform to encourage dialogue, foster alignment, and identify realistic measures for the pharmaceutical sector to respond appropriately to the current economic climate.

Stakeholders acknowledged that medicine pricing is influenced by several interconnected factors including import timelines, forex exposure, existing stock purchased at earlier rates, and business sustainability concerns. Despite these complexities, there was broad consensus that the recent strengthening of the cedi presents an opportunity to reassess pricing strategies and deliver relief to the Ghanaian public in a phased and coordinated manner.

The PSGH President, Dr. Samuel Kow Donkoh, in his concluding remarks, commended the leadership of all stakeholder institutions for their active participation and open-mindedness. Present at the forum were representatives of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Ghana (PMAG), the Pharmaceutical Importers and Wholesalers Association (PIWA), the Community Practice Pharmacists Association (CPPA), the Pharmacy Owners Association (POA), and the Government and Hospital Pharmacists Association (GHOSPA).

An official press release will be issued in the coming weeks to communicate the detailed resolutions and commitments made by stakeholders.

Background

In recent months, the Ghanaian cedi has experienced significant gains against major trading currencies. This development has provided some relief to businesses and importers by reducing foreign exchange pressures and stabilizing input costs.

In response, the Government of Ghana — through the Presidency and the Ministry of Finance — issued an open appeal to producers, traders, and service providers to reflect the strengthening of the cedi in the pricing of goods and services. The call was intended to ensure that the benefits of macroeconomic improvements are felt at the household level and translate into a reduction in the cost of living.

The pharmaceutical sector, as a vital component of national development, has responded to this call through the PSGH-led forum, which signals the industry’s readiness to contribute meaningfully to economic recovery efforts while safeguarding access to essential health commodities.