The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) is embarking on a review of its  its 2016 constitution, which also incorporates the Society’s  by-laws and code  of ethics. This all-important activity is being spearheaded by a committee chaired by the venerable Pharm. Oscar Bruce, a former President of PSGH and a former Vice President of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). Under his leadership, the committee has adopted a consultative and inclusive approach, ensuring that the voices of all PSGH members are heard and considered.

Consultative Process

To gather broad-based input, the committee has solicited feedback from PSGH members through regional and practice group leadership. This grassroots engagement ensures that the diverse perspectives and needs of pharmacists across Ghana are incorporated into the new constitution.

Incorporating International Best Practices

In addition to local consultations, the committee is undertaking an extensive review of relevant literature. This research aims to draw inspiration from international best practices, particularly those within the Commonwealth. By benchmarking against successful frameworks from similar organizations worldwide, the committee hopes to incorporate innovative and effective governance models into the PSGH constitution.

Focus on Local Context and Strategic Direction

While international best practices provide valuable insights, the committee is also keenly focused on the unique strategic direction and local peculiarities of PSGH. The goal is to develop a constitution that not only aligns with global standards but also addresses the specific needs and aspirations of the PSGH.

In an interview with review committee chair, Pharm. Oscar Bruce emphasized the importance of this review process, stating, “Our aim is to develop a constitution that is not only contemporary and workable but also futuristic. We want to ensure that PSGH is well-positioned to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future, while staying true to our core values and mission.”

Committee membership

Other members of the committee are Pharm. Benjamin Botwe, immediate past president of the PSGH, Pharm. Dr. Amos Adapalala Bugri, Chairperson of the PSGH Northern regional branch, Pharm. Daniel Ekow Mensah, Executive Director for HealthKeepers Network, Pharm. Prof. Mariam El-Gyasi Boakye, Associate Professor of Pharmaceutics at KNUST, Dr. Augustina Koduah, Head of Department of Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Pharmacy, UGSOP, Pharm. Eunice Ofosua Amoako, a former chairperson of LAPAG, Pharm. Dr. Priscilla Asaredua Kwofie, a community pharmacy practitioner and General Manager for Jehovah Shammah Pharmacy, Pharm. Ernest Owusu-Aboagye, a pharmacist and legal practitioner, Pharm. Dr. Ambrose Zimbawa, a pharmacist at KATH and a legal practitioner and Pharm. Reginald Sekyi-Brown, Chairperson of ECPG.

Next steps

The committee will continue to gather inputs and refine the draft constitution over the coming weeks. Once completed, the proposed constitution will be presented to the PSGH Governing Board for approval.