Editorial Policy
The Ghana Pharmaceutical Journal (GPJ) maintains a diverse and competent Editorial Board composed of subject matter experts, academic scholars, and experienced practitioners in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, and related healthcare fields. The Editorial Board plays a central role in safeguarding the quality, integrity, and relevance of the journal’s content.
1. Roles and Responsibilities of Editorial Board Members
Editorial Board Members are expected to:
- Provide expert guidance on journal policy, scope, and strategic direction;
- Contribute actively to peer review and editorial decision-making;
- Promote the journal within their professional networks to encourage high-quality submissions;
- Support quality assurance by upholding the journal’s editorial and ethical standards;
- Advise on emerging areas of interest and suggest potential special issues or guest editors.
2. Editorial Independence and Integrity
All editorial decisions are made independently, based on the merit and scientific quality of the manuscript, without influence from commercial, institutional, or personal interests. The GPJ strictly follows a double-blind peer review process, and editorial board members are required to:
- Maintain confidentiality about manuscript content;
- Declare any conflicts of interest and recuse themselves when appropriate;
- Treat all submissions fairly and objectively, irrespective of the author’s nationality, institutional affiliation, gender, or other personal characteristics.
3. Appointment and Term
Editorial Board Members are appointed by the Editor-in-Chief in consultation with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana. Members typically serve a renewable three-year term, subject to satisfactory engagement and performance. Appointments are based on academic credentials, publication record, professional experience, and commitment to the journal’s mission.
4. Criteria for Selection
Editorial Board Members are selected based on the following criteria:
- Demonstrated expertise and scholarly contributions in pharmacy or a related field;
- A strong record of peer-reviewed publications;
- Previous experience in peer review or editorial work;
- Commitment to upholding ethical standards in publishing and research;
- Geographical and disciplinary diversity to ensure global perspectives.
5. Review of Board Composition
The composition of the Editorial Board is reviewed periodically to ensure it reflects the evolving scope of the journal and maintains a balance of disciplines, institutions, and global representation. New members may be invited as needed, and inactive members may be rotated out.
6. Guest Editors and Special Issues
The journal may appoint Guest Editors to oversee special thematic issues. Guest Editors must follow the same ethical and editorial standards as full board members and work under the guidance of the Editor-in-Chief.
