The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) is urging the government to urgently overhaul the nation’s healthcare landscape while raising alarms about the health impact of illegal mining.

They are calling on the government to integrate over 5,000 community pharmacies into the national primary healthcare system and recruit more pharmacists into the public sector.

The group also declared illegal mining (galamsey) a public health emergency.

These far-reaching recommendations were outlined in a communiqué released at the end of PSGH’s 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM), which ran from September 22 to 27 at the University of Cape Coast.

The AGM, which coincided with World Pharmacists’ Day, drew more than 800 pharmacists, health professionals, policymakers, and academics under the theme: “Strengthening Pharmacy for Primary Healthcare.”

Integrating Community Pharmacies for Universal Health Coverage

In Ghana, community pharmacies represent a critical but often under-leveraged pillar in the healthcare delivery chain. According to PSGH data, there are over 5,000 registered community pharmacies across the country, serving both urban centres and remote communities. The Society’s communiqué called for the government to develop and implement a formal framework that would make these pharmacies an integral part of the primary healthcare system — a move that could significantly enhance access to care for millions.

The PSGH is advocating for a “Pharmacy First” policy, which would see pharmacies serve as the first point of contact for minor illnesses, preventive healthcare services such as vaccinations and screening, and ongoing management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension and diabetes. Recent figures from the Ghana Health Service indicate that NCDs now account for over 40% of deaths in the country, underscoring the importance of accessible, frontline care.

Addressing Pharmacist Shortages and Unemployment

The Society also highlighted the pressing need to recruit 1,621 qualified pharmacists who are currently awaiting employment by the government. Many of these professionals have completed their training but are unable to serve due to delays in receiving financial clearance, with some house officers waiting more than nine months for their postings.

According to the Ministry of Health, Ghana currently has a pharmacist-to-population ratio of 1:8,500, far below the World Health Organization’s recommended minimum of 1:2,000.

Galamsey: A Looming Public Health Disaster

Environmental health took centre stage at the AGM, with the PSGH calling on authorities to declare illegal small-scale mining, or galamsey, a national public health emergency. The Society’s communiqué noted that galamsey activities have led to widespread contamination of vital water sources, destruction of arable land, and increased levels of mercury and other toxins in the environment.

Data from the Water Resources Commission shows that over 60% of Ghana’s major rivers — including the Pra, Ankobra, and Offin — are now classified as heavily polluted, largely due to illegal mining. The United Nations Environment Programme estimates that environmental degradation costs Ghana up to $2 billion annually, with public health consequences ranging from increased waterborne diseases to compromised food safety and threats to local pharmaceutical manufacturing, which relies on clean water and agricultural inputs.

Boosting Local Pharmaceutical Production

The Society also proposed that the government leverage its 24-hour economy policy to stimulate local pharmaceutical production, reduce dependency on imports (currently estimated at more than 70% of medicines consumed), and create sustainable jobs for the youth. According to the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Ghana, the local industry currently supplies about 30% of the market, leaving the country vulnerable to global supply chain shocks.

Strengthening Professional Identity and Leadership

For clarity and professional recognition, the PSGH has officially adopted the title “Dr. (Pharm)” for pharmacists with a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. Those with other pharmacy qualifications will continue to use the prefix “Pharm.”

Leadership renewal was also a highlight of the AGM. The Society elected new executives for a two-year term:

• President: Dr. Paul Owusu Donkor, PhD
• Vice President: Pharm. Peter Gyamfi
• Honorary Treasurer: Dr. Anna Naa Kwarley Quartey
• Executive Member: Pharm. Lucia Addae

These new leaders succeed the outgoing team of Dr. (Pharm) Samuel Kow Donkoh, Kwabena Offei Asante, Dr. (Pharm) Naana Aboagye Asare, and Dr. (Pharm) Richmond Adusa-Poku.

A Call for Collaboration

Closing the AGM, the Society reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to advancing pharmaceutical care and building strategic partnerships.

“In good measure, in the national interest, just for the President and his Government to keep its promise, we are asking the legitimate question. And we hope and pray that what they have promised shall be fulfilled,” the communiqué declared.

The PSGH called for collaboration with the government, stakeholders, and development partners, emphasizing that a stronger pharmacy sector is essential for building a resilient, accessible, and equitable healthcare system for all Ghanaians.