Omanghana
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has advised the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) to uphold strict professional standards as the sector expands, warning against any compromise on quality in the pursuit of growth.
Speaking as Special Guest of Honor at a grand ceremony held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Sunday, June 28, 2026, the King marked the society’s 90th anniversary with a strong reminder that the future of pharmacy in Ghana depends on the caliber of professionals trained—not merely the increasing number of practitioners.
“Quality Must Not Be Compromised”
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II stressed that excellence in pharmaceutical education and practice must remain the defining standard of the profession.
“The future of pharmacy in Ghana will be shaped by quality, not quantity,” he cautioned, urging stakeholders to resist pressures that could dilute professional standards in the name of expansion.
He emphasized that safeguarding quality assurance systems is essential to ensuring safe, effective healthcare delivery across the country.
Call for Patient-Centered Pharmaceutical Care
The Asantehene further encouraged pharmacists to remain committed to patient-centered care, stressing that the profession plays a critical role within Ghana’s broader healthcare system.
He noted that pharmacists must continue to demonstrate their value through safe dispensing practices, accurate medication management, and strong ethical responsibility in serving communities.
Royal Link to the Profession
In a lighter moment during the event, Otumfuo reminded participants of his longstanding association with the profession, revealing that he has been an Honorary Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana since 2012.
His remarks drew attention to the long-standing relationship between traditional leadership and the advancement of professional healthcare standards in Ghana.
PSGH Declares “Medicine Security is National Security”
Responding to the Asantehene’s address, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, Dr. Paul Owusu Donkor, reaffirmed the society’s commitment to patient safety while using the anniversary to push for bold reforms in Ghana’s pharmaceutical sector.
He emphasized that “medicine security is national security,” arguing that Ghana must reduce its dependence on imported pharmaceuticals through sustained local production.
Push for 70% Local Production
The PSGH called on government to implement deliberate policies aimed at achieving at least 70% local production of medicines, supported by targeted investment in infrastructure, financing, and industrial capacity.
According to the society, achieving this target would not only strengthen national health security but also position Ghana as a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub for West Africa.
Rising Concern Over Antimicrobial Resistance
The society also raised alarm over the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Ghana, linking the problem to the misuse of medicines and the circulation of counterfeit or substandard drugs.
PSGH warned that unregulated pharmaceutical practices—particularly in underserved and rural communities—are contributing significantly to the emergence of drug-resistant infections, posing a serious public health risk.
They called for stronger enforcement of pharmaceutical regulations and enhanced public education on the proper use of medicines.
Call for Greater State Support for Pharmacists
To address these challenges and uphold the standards emphasized by the Asantehene, the PSGH urged government to increase investment in the training, deployment, and resourcing of pharmacists across the country.
They argued that strengthening the pharmaceutical workforce is essential to improving healthcare delivery, ensuring drug safety, and enhancing access to quality medical care nationwide.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II echoed this sentiment, urging policymakers to deepen investment in the profession as part of a broader strategy to reinforce Ghana’s healthcare system and protect public health.
Source: Omanghana
