The Community Practice Pharmacists Association (CPPA) has appealed to the Police to provide them with adequate protection or be forced to shut down their services indefinitely.

Addressing a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, the National Chairman of the Association indicated that the incessant robbery attacks on some group members should serve as a wake-up call for security agencies to act swiftly in beefing up patrols and security in communities.

Dr Emmanuel Ireland also called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, to investigate all reported robbery cases against community pharmacists.

He revealed that at least 17 robbery cases have been recorded in 2021 alone, with some of the members losing their lives while others sustain life-threatening injuries.

This includes a recent attack on a pharmacist in the Ashanti region town of Agric-Kromoase. After shooting him in the stomach, the robbers absconded with a huge sum of money and other valuable properties.

“It has come to the notice of the leadership of the Community Practice Pharmacists Association that a number of our Community Pharmacies and Pharmacists have been attacked and robbed by armed robbers”.

“For us to continue providing these critical pharmaceutical services to our communities and the country at large, we call on the Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, to instruct his men to, as a matter of urgency, investigate all reported cases of robbery against Community Pharmacists and Pharmacies, to provide security and patrol services to Community Pharmacies in the country, and we are ready to collaborate with the police to protect life and property,” Dr Ireland said.

He equally urged pharmacists to insure their pharmacies and be vigilant, especially during the festivities.

“Take very important measures to protect yourselves, Pharmacies and homes. Install CCTV cameras for surveillance and report any robbery or attack to the Police with very significant evidence,” he advised.

Meanwhile, the Police has urged its regional and district commanders to protect pharmacists following incessant robbery attacks.

Director of Public Affairs for the Police Service, Supt. Alexander Obeng has asked the pharmacists to fall on the regional and district officers for protection.

“I will, in the meantime, plead that they approach the commanders to plan and get the support they need,” he said.

“In Ghana, we have almost 18 police regions with many divisions, districts and stations where I believe these businesses are located.”