Pharmacy technicians across Ghana have raised concerns over inadequate staffing levels, warning that the shortage is increasing workloads and affecting the quality and efficiency of pharmaceutical services.
President of the Pharmacy Technicians Association of Ghana (PTAG), Michael Gyamprah, said the country currently has only about 1,200 pharmacy technicians, a situation he described as inadequate to meet the growing demand for pharmaceutical care.
According to him, the shortage has resulted in some pharmacy departments operating with fewer personnel than required, forcing existing staff to work longer hours with limited opportunities for breaks.
He appealed to the government and relevant authorities to recruit additional pharmacy technicians to ease the pressure on existing personnel and improve patient care.
Mr Gyamprah also called for better working conditions and measures to retain experienced technicians within the health sector.
He made the appeal at the 2026 Annual General Conference of the Pharmacy Technicians Association of Ghana held in Sunyani in the Bono Region.
The conference was held under the theme: “The Role of Pharmacy Technicians in Advancing SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.”
Meanwhile, the Bono Regional Director of Health, Dr Abdulai Bukari, urged pharmacy technicians to intensify education for patients on the safe use of medicines.
He encouraged them to use the World Health Organisation’s Five Moments for Medication Safety as a guide when educating patients.
Dr Bukari also urged pharmacy technicians to accept postings to rural and underserved communities to help improve access to healthcare.
He further called on them to maintain high standards of professionalism, ethical conduct and discipline in the performance of their duties.
The thematic speaker, Etse Nkukpornu, on his part, urged managers of health facilities to embrace technology in the administration and management of healthcare institutions.
He said the use of technology could improve transparency and accountability while helping to minimise corruption.
Mr Nkukpornu also called for stronger systems to monitor the procurement and distribution of medicines and ensure that pharmaceutical products are obtained only from legitimate and approved suppliers.
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