The Minister for Health, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has joined the Pharmacy Council of Ghana to induct a new cohort of pharmacists into the profession on Wednesday in Accra.
The ceremony, held under the theme “The Future is Now: Young Pharmacists at the Forefront of Preventing Opioid Misuse in Ghana”, highlighted both the promise and responsibility that lie ahead for the nation’s newest healthcare professionals.
Addressing the inductees, Mr Akandoh described the event as a “special day” marking the beginning of a crucial professional journey. “You have reached this milestone through dedication, hard work, and perseverance,” he said.
The Minister underlined the critical and evolving role of pharmacists in Ghana’s healthcare landscape, describing them as “frontline healthcare providers, educators, patient advocates, and guardians of public health.
He stated that the pharmacists’ work has a direct impact on health outcomes and the well-being of the general public.
He said the ongoing opioid crisis, particularly the misuse of tramadol. “Opioid abuse is not just a public health issue; it is a national emergency.
The Minister noted that pharmacists are central to the government’s broader health agenda, including the MahamaCares and Free Primary Health Care initiatives. These programs rely on pharmacists to deliver accessible, quality healthcare and manage chronic diseases at the community level.
He reminded the new pharmacists of their motto, “Amicus Humanis Generis,” Friends of the Human Race, urging them to uphold it with compassion, ethics, and excellence.
The Ministry extends its heartfelt congratulations to all newly inducted pharmacists and commends the Pharmacy Council for its unwavering commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery.
