The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has strongly condemned the forced closure of a community pharmacy in Cape Coast. This action happened during a National Sanitation Day exercise on Friday, July 10, 2026, by local government authorities.
This forceful closure interrupted essential medical services. Pharmacies are often the first point of contact for patients seeking urgent care. Disabling their services, even for a short time, puts public health at risk.
This incident fits into broader discussions about balancing public health services with local government mandates. Ghana's healthcare system relies heavily on accessibility. This recent event highlights potential conflicts in fulfilling public duties without disrupting critical services. It also sheds light on how different government bodies interpret and enforce regulations in the field.
Pharm. Paul Owusu Donkor, President of the PSGH, signed a press statement on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. He expressed grave concern over a widely circulated video showing the Cape Coast Municipal Chief Executive directing the pharmacy's closure. The PSGH reiterated its support for environmental hygiene. It warned that such directives must not compromise public health. The society views community pharmacies as vital, frontline healthcare facilities.
Ghana's community pharmacies offer a range of critical services. These include dispensing urgent medications for acute illnesses, refilling prescriptions for chronic conditions like diabetes, and providing emergency contraception. They also offer first aid. Interrupting these services, even briefly, can worsen medical conditions. This places lives in serious danger, especially during weekends or outside normal working hours. For example, a patient with diabetes missing urgent medication could face severe health complications.
Community pharmacies are licensed healthcare institutions. They operate under the Health Professions Bodies Act, 2013 (Act 857). This law makes them subject to the direct oversight of licensed pharmacists. These pharmacists have a legal duty to maintain continuous access to pharmaceutical care. The government recognizes community pharmacies as Primary Healthcare (PHC) Providers. This official recognition must be respected by all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Executive Instruments E.I. 64 and E.I. 65 exempted pharmacies from movement restrictions. This legally protected public access to healthcare. This legal precedent reinforces that pharmacies are essential facilities. The PSGH urged the Cape Coast MCE and other local officials to use consultation instead of confrontation. They recommended this approach for enforcing future public directives.
The PSGH has advised pharmacy owners to create staff duty rosters. This allows some employees to join clean-up exercises while keeping the pharmacy open for patients. The society has called on the government and regional coordinating councils to officially recognize all pharmaceutical service points as exempt essential facilities in all future planning. They offered to help create clear operational guidelines to prevent future disruptions. This collaboration could ensure both public health and civic responsibilities are met without conflict.