By Eugene Nyarko Jnr. l British Council, Accra l July 9, 2026
The Immediate Past Chairman of the Community Practice Pharmacists Association (CPPA), Dr. (Pharm) Emmanuel Kwaku Ireland, paid tribute to the pioneers whose leadership laid the foundation for community pharmacy practice in Ghana.
Addressing participants during the launch, Dr. Ireland reflected on the association’s history and eulogised its past leaders, whose vision and dedication, he said, continue to inspire the profession.
He recalled that the late Pharm. Harrison Kofi Abutiate served as Chairman of the then General Practice Pharmacists Association (GPPA) from 1990 to 1994, providing leadership during the formative years of the association.
According to Dr. Ireland, the late Nana Dr. Pharm. Michael Agyekum Addo succeeded him and served as Chairman from 1994 to 2000, further strengthening the organisation and advancing community pharmacy practice.
He noted that the late Pharm. Ted Bernasko, who served from 2000 to 2004, spearheaded the transition of the association from the General Practice Pharmacists Association (GPPA) to its current name, the Community Practice Pharmacists Association (CPPA), marking a significant milestone in its history.
Dr. Ireland also recognised Pharm. Mrs. Doris Atafua, the association’s first female Chairperson, who led the CPPA from 2004 to 2008 and remains the only surviving member among the early leaders of the association.
He disclosed that these distinguished pharmacy leaders were honoured during the maiden Community Pharmacy Month Celebration in 2023, in recognition of their immense contributions to the growth of community pharmacy practice in Ghana.
Dr. Ireland, who initiated the annual Community Pharmacy Month celebration, said the observance was established to preserve the legacy of the association’s founding leaders while highlighting the indispensable role of community pharmacists in Ghana’s healthcare system.
Quoting leadership expert John C. Maxwell, he remarked that “leaders know the way, go the way and show the way,” adding that the pioneering leaders of CPPA exemplified those qualities through their selfless service.
“Their legacy lives on, and that is the reason we continue to celebrate Community Pharmacy Month every year,” he said, urging younger pharmacists to emulate the values of leadership, professionalism and service demonstrated by the association’s forebears.
