Prescribing Change: Advocating for Pharmacists in the Political Arena

Dear Esteemed Pharmacists,

I’m thrilled to announce a momentous occurrence within our community. A group of committed pharmacists, members of our esteemed association, is gearing up to contest parliamentary positions in the upcoming general elections of Ghana. This continues a rich tradition where pharmacists have been actively involved in Ghana’s Parliament since the inception of the first Republic.

The likes of Ashford Emmanuel Inkumsah and F. Y Asare, Emmanuel Kwasi Addae (Asante-Akim North during the Busia regime), Joseph Yieleh Chireh (Former MP for Wa West and the late Emmanuel Agyarko (M. P for Ayawaso West Wuogon) have served well in various strata of the Ghanaian political landscape. Inkumsah trained as a Pharmacist between 1931-1934; Owner of Asfordinks Drug Store in Sekondi; Served as a council member of Sekondi Town Council for a decade; Elected MP for Shama Ahanta Constituency under the CPP; Appointed Minister of Labour (1951), Minister of Housing (1959), Minister of interior (1960), Minister for Health (1961), Minister for Information and broadcasting (1963) and first Deputy Speaker of the Second Parliament of the First Republic.

F. Y Asare Served as Min. Secretary for Housing and Regional Commissioner for the Volta Region in the First Parliament of the First Republic of Ghana.

Before Inkumsah and F. Y Asare, there was the indomitable Dr F.V Nanka-Bruce, O.B.E. He was the First elected member for the municipality of Accra. Before becoming a physician, he was a dispenser. He served as a Government Adviser on Public health. Founded the Gold Coast Independent newspaper and later Chairman of the National Democratic Party. He later with C. E Reindorf and the likes of Quartey-Papafio ended up forming the Ghana Medical Association.

In recent memory, the Emmanuel Obeng-Agyemang, Hudu Mogtari and Moses Acheampong made advances within the National Democratic Party. Pharm. Emmanuel Obeng-Agyemang (Pedro) won the NDC Parliamentary Primaries in the Odotobri Constituency of the Ashanti Region. Pharm. Hudu Mogtari lost the Wa Central NDC Primaries in the Upper West Region. Pharm Moses Baafi Acheampong sought to lead the NDC as its Parliamentary Candidate in Ayawaso west Wuogon by contesting against John Dumelo and Fred Nuamah until the elections was put on hold and subsequently Moses and Fred exited the race.

Within the NPP, Pharm Mrs. Yaa Pokua Baiden is vying for the Kwesimintsim constituency, Opanin Kofi Obeng-Mensah for Abuakwa North and Opanin Albert Wiredu Arkoh- Amenfi central constituency. Pharm. Dr. Albert Wiredu Arko won the primaries to represent the NPP to contest the Amenfi Central seat against the incumbent NDC MP.

Why should you support them?

The call for support is not carte Blanche on account of their identity as pharmacists. The call for support is predicated on the salience of their vision and policies to uplift the image of the profession in their quest for national service. Again, the call for support is a spur for pharmacists to have a voice at the decision-making table. Our profession plays a crucial role in healthcare, and having pharmacists in parliamentary positions ensures that our unique perspectives, challenges, and expertise are considered when shaping policies that impact us and the patients we serve.

These aspiring candidates are not just politicians; they are advocates for our profession. They understand the intricacies of healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry, making them well-equipped to address the pressing issues we face daily. From improving access to essential medicines to championing healthcare reforms, their commitment to our profession is unwavering.

By supporting these pharmacists in their political endeavors, we are actively contributing to the development of policies that enhance the pharmacy landscape in Ghana. Representation matters, and our voices need to be heard in the halls of power to effect positive change.

Let’s unite as pharmacists across the country, transcending individual affiliations, to rally behind these candidates. Together, we can ensure that our profession not only thrives but also actively shapes the healthcare landscape of our nation.

Vote for pharmacists, vote for the future of healthcare in Ghana.