Dear Colleague Pharmacists,

  1. As we approach the close of yet another remarkable year, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every pharmacist across Ghana and beyond. Your unwavering dedication, innovation, and resilience have profoundly impacted healthcare delivery and public health in 2024. This year’s immense achievements and growth are due in no small part to your collective efforts. Your support to the leadership of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has been invaluable, and your selfless service continues to advance pharmaceutical practice in our great nation.
  2. The PSGH has made tremendous strides this year.
    1. Central to our efforts has been our advocacy for integrating community pharmacies into the formal structure of Ghana’s primary healthcare system. Recognizing their immense potential to address grassroots health needs, we have submitted detailed proposals and engaged stakeholders extensively on this issue.
    2. Notably, our ongoing advocacy for formalizing fees for clinical professional services has yielded some results. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has approved fees for vital checks, now being implemented through the Pharmacy Council of Ghana. We encourage community pharmacists to enroll in this program, ensuring the hard work of PSGH and CPPA translates into meaningful impact for healthcare delivery.
    3. In alignment with our strategic plan, we secured grants totaling USD 180,000 to test an innovative project aimed at improving maternal and neonatal health. This initiative leverages community pharmacies through a Revolving Medicines Fund and a pilot fee-for-professional service, positioning pharmacists as vital contributors to reducing health disparities and improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.
    4. Additionally, we launched the transformative Strategy for Enhanced Access to Pharmaceutical Services (SEAPS) project earlier this year. This initiative provides financial and technical support to pharmacists, particularly young and female practitioners, enabling them to establish model pharmacies in underserved areas. To date, at least 10 pharmacist-owned pharmacies have benefited from SEAPS, with over 40 facilities at various stages of accessing support. These achievements underscore our commitment to equitable healthcare access and empowering pharmacists to lead in addressing community health needs.
  3. As we look to the future, our dedication to advancing primary healthcare remains steadfast. The coming year, the final year of my presidency, promises to be one of action, innovation, and growth. Together, we will build on our successes and chart new paths for our profession.
    1. One highlight of 2025 will be our Annual General Meeting in the historic city of Cape Coast. I encourage every pharmacist to prepare for this event as we aim to make it impactful and memorable.
    2. Another milestone will be the inaugural PSGH Pharma Excellence Awards, celebrating individuals, teams, and organizations whose exceptional contributions have advanced pharmacy practice and public health.
    3. We will also celebrate the completion of Phase I of the Pharmacy Centre Project, a 30-room guesthouse that embodies our collective vision for a stronger PSGH.
    4. Furthermore, we will initiate a comprehensive review of our strategic plan to set a clear path forward, laying the foundation for a new vision with a robust implementation strategy.
    5. In our commitment to strengthening governance, we have undertaken a review of the PSGH 2016 Constitution. Proposed amendments reflecting current priorities and future goals will be shared with all pharmacists ahead of a dedicated meeting for consideration and adoption. I urge every member to actively participate in this process, as your input is vital to shaping the Society’s future.
    6. To amplify our impact, we are establishing an NGO as a special-purpose vehicle to secure grants for implementing transformative public health projects and programs.
    7. I am pleased to inform you that GHOSPA, with the support of the PSGH, has secured the official letter from the Ministry of Finance directing the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) to implement the new conditions of service. We anticipate the entries to reflect on pay slips starting January 2025.

 

  1. As we reflect on the year, notable setbacks include the lack of payment for RX 22 pharmacists during their house jobs and the continued absence of public service recruitment for pharmacists. These challenges remain critical for our profession. Moving forward, we are committed to collaborating with the incoming government and stakeholders to address these issues and ensure fair recognition and integration of pharmacists into the healthcare system.
  2. I call on all pharmacists to rally behind our initiatives, actively participate in our programs, and support our shared agenda. Together, we can achieve more for pharmacy and public health.

May the new year bring you joy, success, and fulfillment. Let us work hand in hand to build a stronger PSGH and a healthier Ghana.

 

Pharm. Dr. Samuel Kow Donkoh

PRESIDENT