Minister of Health praises Addo-Agyekum for role in Ghana’s pharmaceuticals service

The Minister of Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, has lauded the CEO of KofiKrom Pharmacy, Dr. Kofi Addo-Agyekum, for his contribution to Ghana’s healthcare landscape.

In a speech delivered on his behalf on October 12, 2024, during the commissioning of KofiKrom Pharmacy’s new ultra-modern retail outlet at South La, Accra, the Minister praised KofiKrom Pharmacy’s innovative approach to healthcare delivery and its role in enhancing access to quality medicines for Ghanaians.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to KofiKrom Pharmacy and my dear brother Kofi on the opening of this impressive facility. Your unwavering dedication to providing quality healthcare services to our communities is remarkable, and your contribution is helping us advance toward universal health coverage,” said Dr. Okoe Boye.

He further commended the pharmacy’s embrace of technology and innovation, which he emphasized aligns with the government’s vision for a more sustainable and inclusive healthcare system. The Minister acknowledged the role KofiKrom plays in Ghana’s pharmaceutical supply chain, providing affordable and effective products to patients across the country.

“Let everyone know, I am the number one ambassador of Kofikrom Pharmacy,” Dr. Okoe Boye affirmed. “Your commitment to embracing innovation and technology positions you as a key partner in our quest to enhance healthcare delivery, and I urge you to continue leveraging these tools for the benefit of our communities,” he added.

Also speaking during the event, Dr. Kofi Addo-Agyekum recounted the challenges confronting the pharmaceutical industry, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that the pandemic, though devastating, presented an opportunity for growth and innovation. The call from Ghana’s President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for local industries to step up during the pandemic led to Kofikrom starting a small-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing unit.

"The COVID-19 pandemic became a blessing in the face of adversity," Dr. Addo-Agyekum stated. "The President's call to support the fight against the pandemic led us to start local manufacturing, adding over 25 products to our offerings."

Dr. Addo-Agyekum further praised the FDA's efficient registration process, noting, "They registered our COVID-19 preventive products in just one week!" He also acknowledged government tax reliefs, which reduced medicine prices for patients.

"We pray that the discounts on benchmark values will be reintroduced to make medicines more affordable," Dr. Addo-Agyekum stressed.

Other dignitaries in attendance included the Minister for Public Enterprises, Hon. Joseph Cudjoe, who encouraged Kofikrom Pharmacy to fully embrace digitalization, Nana Dr. Michael Agyekum-Addo, Apostle Seth Kwame Fianko Larbi, chairperson for the occasion, Dr. Lipe Gavu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at eHealth Technologies, Pharm. Paul Jan Nicolaas Lamberts, a long-standing family friend from Holland, Mr. Charles Osei Assibey, President of the Armwrestling Association of Africa and Ghana, and Audrey Bonsu, Chief Executive Officer - Ghana National Chamber of Pharmacy.