Accra, Ghana – January 1, 2025:

Pharm. Dr. Richard K. Odor (left) & Pharm. Dr. Kofi Nsiah Poku seated at the awards ceremony

 

The Ghana National Honours Awards ceremony, held on Monday, December 30, 2024, at the Accra International Conference Centre, was a night of celebration and recognition for distinguished individuals who have made impactful contributions to national development. Among the honorees, two pharmacists, Dr. Richard Kwadwo Odor and Dr. Kofi Nsiah Poku, were recognized with the prestigious Order of the Volta – Member Award for their outstanding achievements in health, public service, and business.

Honoring Excellence

The National Honours and Awards, instituted in 1960 under Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, is a revered tradition aimed at celebrating citizens who demonstrate creativity, innovation, excellence, and hard work. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo presented the awards during the grand ceremony, highlighting the honorees’ dedication, sacrifice, and impact on the nation’s development.

Dr. Richard Kwadwo Odor – A Pillar in Health and Public Service

Dr. Richard Kwadwo Odor, a celebrated pharmacist, was honored for his contributions to health and public service. As the CEO of Top Up Pharmacy and Lena House Clinic, Dr. Odor has been instrumental in enhancing access to quality healthcare across Ghana. Dr. Richard Odor’s Top Up Pharmacy stands as a beacon of excellence in the healthcare sector, delivering comprehensive pharmaceutical and clinical services to communities across Ghana. With 22 pharmacy branches, 1 clinic, and a robust distribution network spanning Greater Accra, Volta, Central, Ashanti, and Western regions, the company has made significant strides in ensuring access to quality healthcare. The organization’s impact is underpinned by its dedicated workforce, including 31 pharmacists, 10 doctors, and 42 nurses and non-medical staff, all working together to deliver exceptional care. With a total of 291 direct staff and an additional 46 indirect staff, Top Up Pharmacy continues to create employment opportunities while enhancing health outcomes across the country.

Dr. Kofi Nsiah Poku – Bridging Business and Health

Entrepreneur and pharmacist Dr. Kofi Nsiah Poku received accolades for his remarkable achievements in business and health. As the founder of Kinapharma, Dr. Nsiah Poku has built an empire that spans Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. The company is a leading producer of over 150 pharmaceutical products, including painkillers, antihypertensives, antidiabetics, and antimalarials.

Beyond pharmaceuticals, Dr. Nsiah Poku diversified into the beverage industry, establishing Healthilife Beverages, a beloved brand known for its juices and milk products. His contributions extend to philanthropy, with consistent support for charities focused on sports, health, education, and Christian outreach.

Kinapharma’s success in producing quality medicines and its expansion into international markets underscore Dr. Nsiah Poku’s vision and dedication to improving healthcare access across West Africa.

PSGH President’s Support

The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH), Pharm. Dr. Samuel Kow Donkoh, graced the occasion to lend his support to the awardees. Dr. Donkoh congratulated Dr. Odor and Dr. Nsiah Poku on their well-deserved honors, emphasizing the pride their achievements bring to the pharmacy profession. He commended their dedication and contributions to healthcare and entrepreneurship, noting that their recognition highlights the transformative role of pharmacists in national development.