Accra, July 2, 2025
Pharmacists must step beyond their counters and into national health leadership roles, declared Kwabena Offei Asante, Vice President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH), at the launch of the 3rd Annual Community Pharmacy Month Celebration held at the British Council Hall in Accra.
Delivering the keynote address as Special Guest of Honour, Pharm. Offei challenged the nation to rethink the role of pharmacists, describing them as “the face of healthcare” and insisting that they are already providing frontline clinical services — and should be recognised and empowered accordingly.
“We are the first point of contact, not the last,” Pharm. Offei said. “We we manage chronic conditions, we offer preventive care. Community pharmacists are already doing the work — now the system must catch up.”
Held under the theme “We Are Doing More – Consult Your Pharmacist!”, the event brought together community pharmacists from across Ghana to celebrate progress, highlight challenges, and chart the future of pharmacy practice.
Pharmacists at the Core of Ghana’s Health Strategy
Pharm. Offei emphasized the critical role pharmacists play in managing hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and other non-communicable diseases. Citing their proximity to the public, he noted that pharmacists are uniquely placed to support Ghana’s drive toward Universal Health Coverage and the upcoming Mahama Cares initiative aimed at chronic disease care.
“This is primary healthcare in its purest form — accessible, continuous, and community-based,” he stated. “We’re not just supporting national health goals — we are already implementing them, one patient at a time.”
He called on policymakers to formally integrate pharmacists into national healthcare planning, noting that the profession is ready for data-driven care, digital health, and policy influence.
“I see a future where pharmacists don’t just dispense drugs. We will collect community health data, lead patient-centered interventions, and shape national policy,” Pharm. Offei projected.
From dispensers to digital innovators
Looking ahead, the PSGH Vice President emphasized the importance of digital transformation in pharmacy, calling on pharmacists to embrace telepharmacy, remote monitoring, personalized care, and continuous professional development.
“The future of pharmacy is not behind the counter. It’s in innovation labs, health dashboards, policymaking chambers, and community health planning rooms,” he said.
As the pharmacy profession continues to evolve, Pharm. Offei left the audience with a rallying call:
“Let us celebrate, but let us also lead. The health of our nation depends on how boldly we step forward — not just as pharmacists, but as changemakers.”
Access the full speech here: FULL SPEECH BY THE PSGH VICE PRESIDENT
