The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has paid a courtesy call on the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Her Excellency Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, as part of activities marking the Society’s 90th Anniversary celebrations.

The meeting, held on Monday, 1st June 2026 at the Jubilee House, provided an opportunity for the PSGH leadership to brief the Vice President on the Society’s rich history, contributions to national development, and plans for its landmark anniversary.

Leading the delegation, PSGH President, Dr. Paul Owusu Donkor, noted that the Society traces its origins to the Pharmaceutical Society of the Gold Coast, established in 1935, and subsequently became the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana following the nation’s independence. He highlighted the profession’s significant contributions to healthcare delivery over the past nine decades, including the development of a robust pharmaceutical industry, the training of highly skilled pharmacists, and the production of leaders who continue to make Ghana proud on the global stage.

Among the notable achievements cited were the appointment of Dr. Delese Mimi Darko as the first Director-General of the African Medicines Agency (AMA), and the leadership of pharmacists such as Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson and Prof. Christian Agyare, the outgoing and incoming Vice Chancellors of KNUST respectively.

Dr. Donkor also used the occasion to advocate for increased employment opportunities for young pharmacists within the public sector. The PSGH President bemoaned the plight of young pharmacists who have to stay home for months and sometimes a year to be posted to undertake their housemanship. He appealed for expedited onboarding for the pharmacist house officers.

The PSGH President also called for the strengthening of the healthcare workforce through the employment of pharmacists in the civil service. He urged the government to expedite the absorption of these highly trained pharmacy graduates, particularly in support of emerging healthcare initiatives such as the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares).

As part of the Society’s contribution to the initiative, he announced plans to encourage pharmacists nationwide to donate GHS 90 each in honour of the PSGH’s 90th Anniversary.

Chairman of the PSGH@90 Anniversary Committee, Pharm. Kwabena Asante Offei, Esq., presented an overview of the anniversary programme under the theme, “Science. Impact. Legacy – 90 Years of Pharmaceutical Excellence.” He explained that the theme reflects the profession’s contributions to healthcare, pharmaceutical industry development, scientific advancement, and leadership succession.

He recounted the successful community launch of the anniversary celebrations in Akropong-Akuapem on 1st May 2026 under the sub-theme “Pharmacy at Your Doorsteps.” He further announced that the next major event, an Education Forum, will be held on Friday 26th June 2026 at the Osei Tutu II Jubilee Hall of the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, with His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II serving as Guest of Honour.

The anniversary calendar will also feature a Regulatory Forum in August, focusing on the evolving regulatory landscape of pharmacy practice in Ghana. The celebrations will culminate in the Pharma Excellence Awards Night on 25th September 2026, coinciding with World Pharmacists Day.

Responding to the delegation, Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang congratulated the PSGH on attaining the remarkable milestone of 90 years, observing that the Society predates Ghana’s independence. She commended pharmacists for their vital contributions to healthcare and national development while encouraging the profession to continue expanding its impact.

The Vice President particularly challenged young pharmacists to embrace collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship by forming partnerships that leverage their diverse skills, interests, and areas of specialization to advance the profession into new frontiers.

In a significant endorsement of the anniversary celebrations, Her Excellency accepted the Society’s invitation to serve as Special Guest of Honour at the PSGH Pharma Excellence Awards Night in September.

The courtesy call formed part of the PSGH’s broader stakeholder engagement activities aimed at celebrating 90 years of pharmaceutical excellence while positioning the profession to contribute even more significantly to Ghana’s healthcare future.

The Vice President’s team included: Hon. Alex Segbefia (Chief of Staff), Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo (Political Advisor), Prof. Theresah Ennin (Technical Advisor), Ama Pratt (Press Secretary and Spokesperson) among others.

The PSGH delegation included: Pharm. Paul Owusu Donkor, PhD (PSGH President); Pharm. Peter Gyamfi (PSGH Vice President); Pharm. Anna Naa Kwarley Quartey, PhD (Hon. Treasurer); Pharm. Lucia Addae (PSGH Executive Member), Rev. Dr. (Pharm) Dennis Sena Awitty (PSGH Executive Secretary), Dr. (Pharm) Samuel Kow Donkoh (Immediate Past PSGH President), Pharm. Kwabena Asante Offei, Esq (Chairman, PSGH@90 Committee); Dr. (Pharm) Mrs. Martha Gyansa-Lutterodt (Chairperson, PSGH Government Relations & Policy Advocacy Committee); Dr. (Pharm) Ruby Biaku (Chairperson, PSGH Community Health & Patient Safety Committee); Pharm. Thelma Ama Opoku-Agyemang, PhD (Pharmacist & Senior Lecturer, UGSOP)