Ghanaians have been cautioned against self-medication as it has been identified as one of the major causes of the high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in the country. 

Animal and crop farmers are also advised to lessen the use of antimicrobials on their farms, to help sustain the efficacy of antibiotics.  

These among other measures are being implemented as part of Ghana's Antimicrobial Resistance National Action Plan to lessen the effects of antimicrobial resistance. 

According to a Mercy Newman-led study in 2011, the prevalence of resistance to common and affordable antibiotics is above 70% in Ghana. 

An estimated 10 million people would die each year from antimicrobial resistance if there are no interventions. The use and misuse of antimicrobials is one of the key drivers of antimicrobial resistance.

The resistance affects humans, animals, and the environment, therefore, the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Environment Program have joined forces to fight the canker. 

To mitigate the impact of antimicrobial resistance, Ghana through the Ministries of Health, Food, and Agriculture, and the Veterinary Department has formulated and implementing a National Action plan. 

This includes public awareness creation, strengthening of labs, and educating farmers among others. 

Speaking to the media at a public awareness programme in Sogakope in the South Tongu District of the Volta region, the National AMR Coordinator for the Ministry of Health, Dr. Savior Yaotsey lamented the situation indicating the health sector is witnessing treatment failures due to resistance. 

He added that some bacteria have grown strong resistance to some anti-bacteria forcing the Ministry of Health to delete them from the essential medicine list of Ghana.

“Let people take antibiotics that have been prescribed for them. Don't go and do self-medication when you get sick”, he advised. 

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The National Coordinator for the Antimicrobial Resistance Project of the Food and Agriculture Organization, Dr. Kofi Afakye said Farmer-Free Schools have been established to train farmers on the expedient use of antimicrobials on their farms. 

He said the poultry farmers have been identified to use a chunk of antibiotics in Ghana, hence an intervention program is being implemented to educate industry players on the prudent use of the chemicals. 

“Very soon we will be going to fish, we will be establishing farmer-free schools also in fishing because most of the tilapia you are taking, in fact, we have seen traces of antibiotics and anti-microbial resistance organisms in them”, he added.  

A Veterinary Technologist at the Veterinary Services Directorate, Alberta Owusu Afriyie advised the public to patronize meat products from certified dealers, who have their animals inspected before being slaughtered and prepared for the market under hygienic conditions.

She also encouraged animal farmers to register with her outfit to get the needed support in the unfortunate situation of a disease outbreak. 

A drama skit was staged to educate traders and drivers at the Sogakofe Lorry Park to educate them on the risks of self-medication, wrong use of agrochemicals, and self-treating animals.