Accra – July 2, 2025
The Chairman of the Community Practice Pharmacists Association (CPPA), Pharm. Dr. Emmanuel Kwaku Ireland, has made a passionate appeal for justice and systemic reform as he launched the 3rd Annual Community Pharmacy Month Celebration (CPMC 2025) in Accra. His emotional speech—delivered to an auditorium filled with industry stakeholders—pivoted sharply from celebration to a rallying cry, insisting: “Time no dey.”
In a solemn moment, Pharm. Dr. Ireland called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the murder of Pharmacist Mohammed Zia-UlHak Zibrim, who was fatally shot outside his home in Bolgatanga last month. “I am once again calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to act now and bring those responsible to justice,” he declared, to thunderous applause.
Linking the tragedy to wider issues in Ghana’s healthcare landscape, the CPPA Chair also endorsed the growing national #HirePharmacistsNow campaign, calling on the Ministry of Health to urgently address the backlog of over 4,300 qualified pharmacists awaiting public sector employment. “For five years, Ghana has failed to recruit a single pharmacist into the public sector. Meanwhile, lives are being lost, and our system is dangerously under-resourced,” he warned.
Currently, Ghana has just about 1,300 pharmacists serving in over 10,000 public health facilities—a ratio described as “a national risk” by healthcare advocates. Dr. Ireland emphasized that under-resourcing contributes to poor medication management, worsens chronic disease outcomes, and leaves communities exposed.
Despite the serious undertones, the launch event also celebrated progress. Under the theme “We Are Doing More – Consult Your Pharmacist!” Dr. Ireland outlined the expanded role of community pharmacists in areas such as vaccinations, medication therapy management (MTM), and reproductive health. Over 1,000 pharmacists are now trained to provide vaccinations, 300 in MTM, and 160 offering family planning services.
The CPMC 2025 calendar includes scientific symposiums, leadership seminars, health outreaches in Koforidua, and the much-anticipated “Rx Games” at UPSA Stadium. The celebration will climax with a Gala Night at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, where CPPA will unveil a new logo and honour distinguished pharmacists.
But it was the speech’s emotional core—the call for justice and employment—that struck a chord. Remembering late stalwarts Pharm. Dr. Nana Michael Agyekum Addo and Snr. Pharm. Ted Benasko, Dr. Ireland noted, “We honoured them just last year, and I stand here without a shadow of doubt that we did the right thing at the right time—because time no dey.”
As Ghana’s pharmacists continue to expand their reach and responsibilities, their message is clear: they are ready to serve. But their patience, and their safety, cannot wait.
