The leadership of the Small-Scale Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Ghana (SSPMAG) met with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) at the PSGH Secretariat on 23 June 2026 to discuss measures for strengthening small-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing as an integral part of the pharmacy profession and Ghana’s healthcare system.

The PSGH delegation was led by its President, Pharm. Paul Owusu Donkor, PhD, and included the Honorary Treasurer, Dr (Pharm.) Anna Naa Kwarley Quartey, PhD; Executive Secretary, Rev. Dr (Pharm.) Dennis Sena Awitty; and Deputy Executive Secretary, Dr (Pharm.) Harry Amoaning Okyere. SSPMAG was led by its Chairman, Pharm. Benjamin Nee Quaye, and Dr (Pharm.) Mark Bekoe, both of whom joined the meeting virtually. Other members of the delegation were Pharm. David Addo, Pharm. Kwame Asante and Pharm. Richard Acheampong.

Discussions focused on sustainable medicine pricing, regulation, quality assurance, capacity building, financing and a stronger working relationship between the two organisations. SSPMAG represents approximately 120 small-scale manufacturers across Ghana, particularly producers of essential over-the-counter medicines. The PSGH leadership reiterated that local pharmaceutical manufacturing is a key pillar of the Society’s Strategic Plan and pledged to support SSPMAG in developing a transparent, scientific and equitable pricing framework. Such a framework should reflect  sustainable business model without imposing undue financial barriers to patients’ access to medicines.

The Society also committed to working with SSPMAG on a broader development strategy covering technical capacity building, access to financing, regulatory compliance and quality assurance. This builds on PSGH’s previous support for training pharmacists in small-scale manufacturing and preparing more professionals to enter the sector. Other measures discussed included sustained advocacy for selected medicines that Ghana has adequate capacity to manufacture to be reserved for local production, as well as preferential procurement of quality-assured locally manufactured products. These measures are increasingly important as Ghana seeks to reduce its heavy dependence on imported medicines and strengthen national medicine security.

SSPMAG will therefore engage the Food and Drugs Authority and other relevant stakeholders to develop an evidence-based roadmap addressing sustainable pricing, proportionate regulation, quality assurance, market access and the barriers discouraging pharmacists from entering pharmaceutical manufacturing. SSPMAG further resolved to undertake an intensive membership drive to bring all eligible operators into the Association, strengthen industry representation and promote consistent standards across the small-scale manufacturing sector.

The engagement reaffirmed the shared commitment of PSGH and SSPMAG to building a competitive, quality-driven and sustainable local pharmaceutical industry that supports business growth while improving access to safe, effective and affordable medicines.