Community Pharmacists Are Indispensable Partners in Ghana’s Healthcare System — CPPA Chairperson
By Eugene Nyarko Jnr. | British Council, Accra | July 9, 2026
The National Chairperson of the Community Practice Pharmacists Association (CPPA), Dr. (Pharm) Therestella Obosu Tei-Kwabla, has described community pharmacists as indispensable partners in Ghana’s healthcare delivery system, particularly in efforts to achieve universal health coverage.
She said community pharmacists remain the most accessible healthcare professionals in Ghana because they are present in towns, cities, villages and communities where they provide first-contact healthcare services to patients.
Dr. Tei-Kwabla made the remarks at the launch of the 4th Community Pharmacy Month Celebration and Bazaar, 2026, held at the British Council in Accra on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
The celebration was held on the theme: “Community Pharmacist: Bridging the Gap in Primary Health Care Delivery.”
According to her, the theme reflects the daily realities and responsibilities of community pharmacists, who often serve as the first point of contact between patients and the broader healthcare system.
“Every day, people walk into pharmacies because we are the first healthcare professional a patient meets, and in many cases, the bridge between the community and the wider healthcare system,” she stated.
She noted that the role of community pharmacists extends beyond dispensing medicines, explaining that they contribute significantly to health education, disease prevention and improving access to essential healthcare services.
Dr. Tei-Kwabla disclosed that this year’s Community Pharmacy Month celebration had been designed to demonstrate the profession’s commitment to serving society beyond the pharmacy counter.
She highlighted activities including a mega community health outreach, public health education campaigns, professional development programmes, a bazaar to support pharmacists and entrepreneurs, and humanitarian interventions.
She said CPPA had already undertaken a donation exercise at the Kumasi Central Prison on July 1, 2026, and would also support children at the Osu Children’s Home.
“These humanitarian activities reflect our belief that healthcare is a right for everyone. We recognise that there are vulnerable populations who often have limited access to healthcare and medicines,” she said.
The CPPA Chairperson appealed to corporate institutions, development partners and individuals to collaborate with the association to expand its impact.
“Together, I believe strongly that we can touch more lives, restore health and build a healthier community,” she added.
Dr. Tei-Kwabla further urged community pharmacists to embrace innovation, digital technology, continuous professional development and ethical standards to remain trusted partners in Ghana’s healthcare system.
She expressed her commitment to building a stronger and more influential community pharmacist practice that empowers members, supports young pharmacists, strengthens business groups and contributes to national healthcare policies.
