As part of the 2025 Community Pharmacy Month celebrations, the Community Practice Pharmacists Association of Ghana (CPPA), in collaboration with the Health Community of West Africa Association (HCOWA) and the Early Career Pharmaceutical Group (ECPG), hosted a Leadership and Professional Development Seminar on Wednesday, July 16, at the British Council in Accra.
The seminar brought together a dynamic mix of community pharmacists, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders with the shared goal of strengthening leadership, encouraging innovation, and building professional capacity across the pharmaceutical sector in Ghana.
Chairing the event, Pharm. Mrs. Doris Attafua, Chief Executive Officer of Vicdoris Pharmaceuticals Ltd, lauded the pharmaceutical fraternity for its steady growth and its vital contributions to public health.
She described the evolution of the industry as “admirable” and urged participants to engage meaningfully, stating, “It is through open dialogue and knowledge-sharing at forums like this that our profession will continue to thrive.”
Delivering the keynote address, Pharm. Dr. Emmanuel Kwaku Ireland, Chairman of CPPA, emphasized the transformative role of the modern pharmacist.
He noted that pharmacy practice has expanded beyond dispensing medication to include roles as clinical service providers, health educators, wellness consultants, and digital health advocates.
“Pharmacists are no longer behind the counter—we are now at the centre of care,” he said.
Dr. Ireland also challenged participants to embrace continuous learning, especially in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital health technologies.
“Leadership today requires the courage to innovate and the vision to integrate new tools like AI into patient care. If we do not lead the change, we risk being left behind by it.”
Representing the Health Community of West Africa Association, Mr. Prince Opoku Dogbey, Vice-President, praised the initiative as a timely and strategic collaboration.
He emphasised that community pharmacists are often the primary point of contact for healthcare in many West African communities and play a crucial role in promoting health literacy, disease prevention, and accessible treatment.
“Pharmacists are among the most trusted health professionals in our societies. Their influence goes far beyond the pharmacy counter,” he said.
A series of impactful presentations followed, led by distinguished industry leaders. Pharm. Dr. John Allotey spoke on strategic leadership, reminding participants that “Leadership is a disposition, not a destination.”
He encouraged collaboration, self-awareness, and purpose-driven decision-making.
Pharm. Dr. William Kofi Nti challenged young pharmacists to embrace a long-term mindset, rise above temporary setbacks, and recognise the value of delayed gratification in building a sustainable career.
“Great leaders are forged in discomfort—they think ahead, stay grounded, and focus on impact,” he said.
Wrapping up the thought leadership session, Brigadier General Pharm. Dr. Michael A. Addy emphasised the importance of action-oriented leadership.
“Leadership is not about titles or ranks—it’s about building cohesion, delivering results, and inspiring your team around a shared vision,” he stated.
In addition to the enriching discussions, the seminar featured a networking session and an exhibition bazaar where pharmacists and industry partners showcased health products, wellness services, and technological innovations, highlighting the evolving and multifaceted role of pharmacists in today’s healthcare ecosystem.
The Leadership and Professional Development Seminar served as a vibrant reminder of the critical role community pharmacists play in Ghana’s healthcare transformation.
It also reinforced the urgent need for continuous leadership training, collaboration, and the adoption of emerging technologies in the pharmacy profession.
By RICHEAL ELIKEM DOVIA
