Accra: The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSG) has issued a warning about the potential shutdown of the country's pharmaceutical industry due to the ongoing issue of illegal mining, known locally as galamsey. The PSG emphasized the urgent need for measures to combat this menace to ensure the industry's sustainability.
According to Ghana News Agency, the PSG highlighted that the local pharmaceutical industry, which supplies 30 percent of the nation's medicinal needs, relies heavily on high-quality water for the production of tablets and infusions. The society expressed concerns about the potential consequences if water treatment plants were forced to shut down because of pollution resulting from galamsey activities.
During the 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference of the PSG in Cape Coast, Dr. Samuel Kow Donkoh, President of the Society, stated that compromised water quality, raw materials, and environmental standards would increase drug production costs. This would lead to a need for more purification, higher risks of contamination, stricter regulatory demands, and increased importation of materials and medicines, which currently stands at 70 percent.
The conference, themed 'Strengthening Pharmacy for Primary Health Care' and tagged 'The First City Experience,' also marked the 90th anniversary of the Society. It included various trainings, workshops, health outreach programs, and the election of new executives.
Dr. Donkoh pointed out that pollution of water bodies could hinder the pharmaceutical industry's potential to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCTA). AFCTA offers Ghana significant market access, encourages foreign partnerships, technology transfer, and investment, and supports the development of local pharmaceutical manufacturing, including vaccines.
He questioned whether the nation could fully capitalize on AFCTA's benefits, such as improved supply chain efficiency, regulatory harmonization, and increased export opportunities, which are crucial for revenue growth, skills development, and innovation within Ghana's pharmaceutical sector.
Dr. Donkoh called on the government, regulatory bodies, traditional leaders, communities, and all stakeholders to combat illegal mining with determination. He stressed the importance of robust enforcement, comprehensive remediation, community education, and stringent regulation for the country's survival. "The health of our people and the integrity of our pharmaceutical sector depend on immediate, decisive action," he added.
Central Regional Minister Mr. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah reaffirmed the government's commitment to advancing the pharmaceutical industry through increased funding and infrastructure development. He noted that these efforts aim to enhance local production, improve access to quality medicines, create jobs, foster innovation, and position Ghana as a key player in the pharmaceutical market.
Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, Omanhen of Oguaa Traditional Area, emphasized the need for urgent government action against illegal mining. He also urged the government to focus on recruiting unemployed health personnel, particularly pharmacists, highlighting their critical role in ensuring community health through medication management, patient education, and combating counterfeit drugs. "Pharmacists are vital in ensuring that medicines are used safely and effectively in our communities. Increasing their numbers will strengthen healthcare delivery and improve health outcomes," he noted.
