A delegation from the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH), comprising the President Paul Owusu Donkor, PhD and the chairperson of the Community Practice Pharmacists Association (CPPA), Dr (Pharm) Therestella Obosu Tei-Kwabla, has undertaken a series of strategic engagements in Northern Ireland as part of an ongoing ISPF-supported collaboration led by Ulster University Centre for International Health Innovation and Partnerships, under the coordination of Dr Kingston Rajiah and Dr Charles Kwaku Benneh (PhD, MPCPharm). The visit forms part of a broader effort to deepen international collaboration in pharmacy practice, regulation, education, and health systems innovation between Ghana and Northern Ireland.

A key highlight of the visit was an engagement at the headquarters of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland at Number 73 Society House. The delegation was warmly received by senior leaders and stakeholders of the profession. Discussions centred on professional leadership, regulatory systems, advocacy, and workforce development within pharmacy practice across different healthcare environments. Although both jurisdictions operate under distinct health system structures, participants identified notable similarities in the challenges faced, particularly in relation to workforce sustainability, evolving scopes of practice, and the growing expectations placed on pharmacists within primary care systems.

The delegation also engaged with academic leadership at Ulster University during a visit to its Belfast campus. Hosted by Dr Aaron Courtenay, Research Lead, the team was taken through the university’s advanced teaching and research environment, with particular emphasis on its modern infrastructure and innovation spaces, including the Atria complex. The facility, which has hosted major international figures and events, was presented as a symbol of the university’s commitment to excellence in education, interdisciplinary research, and global collaboration in health sciences. The engagement also provided an opportunity for the delegation to present a token of appreciation in recognition of the partnership and hospitality extended to them.

In the afternoon, the delegation visited Bannside Pharmacy, where they were hosted by Eoghan O’Brien and his team. The visit offered a practical perspective on the evolving role of community pharmacy within Northern Ireland’s healthcare system. The team observed first-hand the expansion of pharmacy services beyond traditional dispensing, including clinical consultations, diagnostic services, preventative care interventions, digital dispensing technologies, and a strong emphasis on patient-centred healthcare delivery. These developments highlighted how community pharmacies are increasingly functioning as accessible frontline health service points within integrated care systems.

Throughout the day, the delegation reflected on the value of such international exchanges in broadening perspectives on pharmacy practice and health system development. The interactions reinforced the importance of collaboration in advancing innovation, strengthening workforce capacity, and enhancing patient care models. They also highlighted the shared commitment between Ghanaian and Northern Irish partners to explore new approaches to pharmacy-led healthcare delivery in response to evolving global health challenges.

The ongoing collaboration between Ghanaian partners and Ulster University through the Centre for International Health Innovation and Partnerships continues to serve as a platform for knowledge exchange and joint learning. As the partnership evolves, it is expected to generate further opportunities for research collaboration, professional development, and innovation in pharmacy practice, with implications for both health systems.