The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) celebrated a landmark moment with its first-ever Excellence Awards Night and Gala last Friday at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, honouring industry leaders and rallying for local vaccine production.

The event drew healthcare professionals, government officials and stakeholders to recognise outstanding contributions to Ghana’s pharmaceutical sector.

Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, delivered a compelling keynote, revealing that Ghana spends $25 million annually on imported vaccines—an unsustainable burden.

He challenged pharmacists and manufacturers to develop local vaccine production.

“Ghana must become a hub for vaccine innovation in West Africa, this move, he argued, would cut costs, bolster healthcare security, and drive economic growth,” he stated.

The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, who was also present at the event, called on pharmaceutical companies to attain a united front and solve the nation’s medical needs.

A highlight of the evening was the Pharmacist CEO of the Year award, named after Dr Ernest Bediako Sampong, founder of Ernest Chemist. Also honoured was Dr Kofi Nsiah Asare, the CEO of Kinapharma Group, for expanding access to affordable medicines and advancing research.

In his acceptance speech, Dr Asare dedicated the award to God, his team, Ghanaian pharmacists and stakeholders, pledging continued innovation.

Awards were also presented for excellence in research, patient care, public health advocacy and technological innovation, underscoring pharmacists’ vital role in Ghana’s healthcare system, especially in underserved areas.

The PSGH President, Dr Samuel Kow Donkoh, reaffirmed the society’s commitment to ethical standards, professional growth and policies supporting local pharmaceutical enterprises.

Other awards

Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Ltd was named the Pharmaceutical Company of the Year, while Kinapharma Ltd won Excellence in Pharmacy. In manufacturing, UNICHEM Ghana Ltd took home Excellence in Pharmacy.

For wholesale and distribution, Unicom Chemist was celebrated as both Community Retail Chain Pharm
acy and Excellence in Pharmacy of the year in community pharmacy.

Viatris earned the Multinational Company of the Year and Lufart was crowned Brand of the Year (OTC), with Wormplex 400 Tablets & Suspension securing OTC Advert of the Year. Aide Chemists was recognised as Best Online Pharmacy.

Individual accolades included Pharm. Dr Kofi Nsiah-Poku as CEO of the Year (Ernest Bediako Sampong Award) and Pharm. Abraham Gyesie receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award (Kwabena Ohene-Manu Award). Pharm. Anne Anokye-Kumatia was named Hospital Pharmacist of the Year, Pharm. 

Dr Ruby Anne Biaku won Community Pharmacist of the Year and Pharm. Dr Evelyn Biriwaa Offei claimed the Industrial Pharmacist of the Year (Mark Owiredu Award).

The Bank Hospital Pharmacy was honoured as Hospital Pharmacy of the Year, while Dr Mrs Grace Nelson was celebrated as the Young Achiever of the Year. 

Academic excellence was also recognised with Prof. Christian Agyare as Academic Pharmacist of the Year and the School of Pharmacy, University of Ghana, receiving Excellence in Education, known as the Prof. A.N. Tackie Award.

Dr Francisca Zigah won Excellence in Pharmacy Practice Research, while Bernard Badu Bediako was awarded Excellence in Pharma.

In health systems and administration, Jacqueline Acquah was named regulatory affairs, sales & marketing pharmacist of the year.

In research and regulation, the Kintampo Health Research Centre was named Clinical Trial Facility of the Year and the FDA Clinical Trials Department received Excellence in Pharma: Regulation (T.C. Corquaye Award).

The awards highlight the dedication and innovation driving Ghana’s pharmaceutical industry forward.