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Embracing Technology and Leadership for Better Healthcare in Ghana
Dr. Emmanuel Kwaku Ireland, Chairman of the Community Practice Pharmacists Association (CPPA), has emphasized the importance of pharmacists adopting artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital tools to enhance healthcare delivery in Ghana. He highlighted that AI is transforming community pharmacy practices by improving access to real-time information, streamlining data management, and ultimately improving patient outcomes.
“AI is key. Our work requires timely knowledge. When it comes to healthcare, time is of essence. Information must come quickly so that patients survive and thrive. Yes, we are using AI,” he stated during the Leadership and Professional Development Seminar at the third Annual Community Pharmacy Month Celebration (3CPMC25) in Accra.
This year’s event, themed “We Are Doing More, So Consult Your Pharmacist!”, was organized in partnership with the Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA). The initiative aims to promote development, support, and professional exchange among community pharmacists.
Advancing Data Management and Efficiency
Dr. Ireland explained that community pharmacists generate a vast amount of data daily. With AI’s ability to analyze big data, the profession is gradually moving towards harmonizing and consolidating health data to inform policy decisions. He also noted that technology has significantly improved the efficiency of pharmacy services, reducing client interaction time by up to 60 percent while increasing the quality of care.
“Assuming a client spent 30 minutes with you before, now it may take only 10. That means more time and better service for patients – and better returns for practitioners,” he said.
Expanding Roles and Responsibilities
Ghanaian pharmacists are aligning with global standards set by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). These expanded roles include Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Management of Minor Ailments, Medication Therapy Management (MTM), Chronic Disease Management, Triage and Referral, Self-Care Support, and Improving Access to Care.
Dr. Ireland revealed that nearly 1,000 pharmacists have been trained to provide vaccination services, about 300 in MTM, and 160 in offering affordable and quality sexual and reproductive health services, including administering DMPA contraceptive injections. These services, although fee-based, reflect the growing responsibilities pharmacists now bear, including those training as Graphopharmacists—professionals who integrate graphic and pharmaceutical knowledge to educate clients effectively.
Fostering Leadership and Professional Growth
On the topic of leadership, Dr. Ireland emphasized that the seminar aimed to address critical questions around motivation, influence, collaboration, and vision—key attributes necessary for driving pharmacy practice into the future.
“Leadership is not just about titles. It’s about doing quality work, building cohesive teams, and making an impact. We are not just dispensers; we are managers and leaders in our communities,” he said.
He stressed that continuous professional development remains a core strategy for building leadership competencies among pharmacists. Recent training in opioid stewardship was cited as an example of ongoing efforts to equip pharmacists with tools to address community challenges.
Enhancing Outreach and Regulation
Dr. Ireland mentioned that the number of community pharmacists in underserved areas has increased, helping to curb the activities of unlicensed drug peddlers. He urged the public to consult only licensed pharmacists or over-the-counter medicine sellers approved by the Pharmacy Council.
“Medicines should not be peddled under the sun. They degrade, expire prematurely, and become harmful. Let’s protect our communities by ensuring they receive proper pharmaceutical care,” he said.
Encouraging Business Acumen and Innovation
Mr. William Kofi Nti, CEO of Add Pharma Ghana Ltd, delivered a presentation titled “The Business Leader in You.” He encouraged pharmacists to move beyond traditional dispensing roles and embrace innovation, people management, and mentorship. He urged younger pharmacists to proactively build business and leadership skills and called on policymakers to engage pharmacy leaders in national health strategies and campaigns.
Through these initiatives, Ghana’s pharmacists are not only enhancing their professional capabilities but also playing a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare in the country. Their commitment to embracing technology, expanding their roles, and fostering leadership ensures that they remain integral to the well-being of their communities.
