ADDRESS DELIVERED BY WESTERN REGIONAL MINISTER, HON. KWABENA OKYERE DARKO-MENSAH (MP) ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2023 ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE (AGC) OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY OF GHANA HELD ON WEDNESDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER, 2023 AT THE ASHLEY-LASSEN HANGAR, AIRFORCE BASE, TAKORADI.

The Chairman,

National Executives Council of Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana,

Members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana,

Distinguished Invited Guests,

The Press,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Morning!!

It is an honour to be part of this esteemed gathering today and address you on the theme "Pharmacists for National Development". Sustainable access to innovative healthcare and quality healthcare delivery is very critical to national development. The pharmaceutical industry thus is a critical component for economic growth in the Western Region and the country as a whole.

As frontline responders, your dedication and resilience have been pillars of strength during challenging times which underlines the significance in national development. I want to use this opportunity to welcome you all, especially those from far and near to Western Region where the best is.

Mr. Chairman, I am confident that by the end of this conference, we will have gained not only useful insights but also build connections and share in the goals for growth and development. Our collective effort and commitment today can set in motion a chain of events that will lead to positive outcomes and contribute to a brighter future for all. Hence, let us embrace this opportunity with enthusiasm, determination, and a spirit of collaboration.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to extend applause to the organizers and the whole fraternity of the Ghana Pharmaceutical Society for their efforts in putting together annual conferences and also significantly impacting lives and contributing positively to the health sector.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Pharmacists are an important part of the healthcare workforce aimed to attain the goal of universal health coverage (UHC) and the health-related sustainable development goal (SDG) 3, particularly in relation to optimizing safe, responsible, and effective use of medicines. As the backbone of our healthcare system, you are expected to work tirelessly to ensure the safe and effective use of medications.

As the healthcare landscape shifts and transforms, pharmacists must see significant changes in their roles and responsibilities. The industry should be able to recommend clear and transparent procurement or listing procedures that recognize the value of innovation.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the country has enormous pharmaceutical potential, which could aid in the development of a major market in West Africa. This in return will provide jobs for many people while also deepening our research skills and capacities as a people and profoundly contributing to national development.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Government is prepared to resolve and expand the country's pharmaceutical industry into a world-class manufacturing sector. We are dedicated to safeguarding people's right to health by establishing a health sector with the long-term ability to provide affordable, equitable, and easily accessible healthcare.

To further empower and fully harness potentials in the pharmaceutical area, the Government is committed to supporting advanced training, research, and development in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. We will continue to prioritize investments in academic institutions to nurture future generations of pharmacists who are equipped with innovative knowledge and skills.

Ladies and Gentlemen, as the gatekeepers of medication safety, let us remember that our nation's progress and prosperity rest on the foundation of a healthy and vibrant society, and pharmacists play an instrumental role in shaping that foundation. On this note, Ladies and Gentlemen, I hereby declare the Annual General Conference duly launched.

Thank You.