Galamsey: Ghana's pharmaceutical industry risks imminent shutdown - Pharmaceutical Society

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSG) has warned of the imminent shutdown of the country’s pharmaceutical industry if urgent steps are not adopted to end the rampaging menace of illegal mining (galamsey).

According to the PSG, the sustainability of the local pharmaceutical industry, producing 30 percent of the country’s medicinal needs, required high-quality water for tablet production and infusion manufacturing.

However, it wondered what would happen “if our water treatment plants shut down due to galamsey-related pollution as the country cannot contain its debilitating effects.”

Addressing the 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference of PSG in Cape Coast on Wednesday, Dr Samuel Kow Donkoh, President of the Society, said that when water quality, raw materials, and environmental standards are compromised, drug production costs would escalate.

That, he said, would lead to increased purification needs, contaminated supply risks, which would reinforce stricter regulatory requirements and increased importation of affected materials and medicines l currently standing at 70 percent.

The Conference held on the theme: “Strengthening Pharmacy for primary health care,” under the tag “The first city experience,” coincided with the launch of the 90th anniversary of the Society and was also to reiterate the cultural and political significance of Cape Coast, the host community.

The engagement started on Monday and saw participants through various trainings and workshops, health outreach, and the election of new executives.

On other health effects, the President of the Society said pollution of the nation’s water bodies would impair the pharmaceutical companies’ aspirations to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCTA) to establish Ghana as a pharmaceutical hub in the sub-region.

He said AFCTA had presented significant access to a broader market for Ghanaian pharmaceutical manufacturers, encouraged foreign partnerships, technology transfer, and investment, and supported the development of local pharmaceutical manufacturing, including vaccine production.

Therefore, he questioned if the nation would be able to reap the benefits of AFCT, particularly improved supply chain efficiency, regulatory harmonisation, and increased export opportunities, which can lead to higher revenue, skills development, and innovation within Ghana’s pharmaceutical sector.

Dr Donkoh called on the government, regulatory institutions, traditional authorities, communities, and all stakeholders to intensify the fight against galamsey with unprecedented determination.

Robust enforcement, comprehensive remediation, community education, and stringent regulation, according to him, were not optional but essential for the country’s survival.

“The health of our people and the integrity of our pharmaceutical sector depend on immediate, decisive action,” he added.

Mr Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, Central Regional Minister, reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to advancing the pharmaceutical industry through increased funding and the development of essential infrastructure.

He emphasised that those measures were designed to enhance the sector’s capacity, boost local production, and improve access to quality medicines for the population.

What he said was part of the government’s efforts to create more job opportunities, foster innovation, and position the country as a key player in the pharmaceutical market, ultimately contributing to better healthcare outcomes and economic growth.

Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, Omanhen of Oguaa Traditional Area, who was the guest of honour, called on the government to take urgent action to end the menace of illegal mining, highlighting its devastating effects on health, the environment, and the local pharmaceutical industry.

In addition, the Omanhen urged the government to prioritise the recruitment of unemployed health personnel, particularly pharmacists.

He stressed the critical role pharmacists played in safeguarding community health through proper 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,” the Omanhen noted.

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