Background The Seven-star Pharmacist concept as promulgated by the World Health Organization identifies the pharmacist as a leader, among many other roles. Clinical leadership skills are essential in all healthcare organizations, regardless of position or area of practice, yet many pharmacists remain unaware of how leadership can be integrated into their daily clinical practice. While there is limited literature on pharmacist and clinical leadership preparedness in the sub-Saharan African region, particularly in Ghana, concerns about the hospital working environment and learning opportunities suggest that pharmacists feel unprepared for the responsibilities of clinical leadership. Furthermore, most leadership preparedness literature focuses on physicians, nurses, and public health professionals, with pharmacists being underrepresented. This study aims to address these gaps and provide insights into methods to enhance pharmacist leadership readiness in Ghana. Methodology The current study was an anonymous, online based, quantitative, cross-sectional survey conducted between April and June 2022. Participants were public service pharmacists drawn from the Government and Hospital Pharmacist Association (GHOSPA) of Ghana, who worked in government-funded health facilities within the Greater Accra region of Ghana, one of the sixteen administrative regions of the country. The questionnaire consisted of a set of questions that employed a combination of Likert scales, multiple-choice, open-ended, and closed-ended questions. The questionnaire comprised the following sections: biodata of participants and ratings of their level of preparedness for clinical leadership roles using a 5 point Likert scale. Results Nearly half of respondents (46%, n=67) reported their level of preparedness for a clinical leadership role was poor (32%) or very poor (14%). Self-reported level of knowledge and understanding of their clinical leadership roles at the time of their appointment was fair for 35% (n=51) of the respondents, whereas 23% (n=34) reported poor or very poor knowledge of the participants in the study, 65% reported receiving some form of training on clinical leadership either at the time of appointment or during their assignment, with only 35% reporting their training to be effective. Conclusion The study underscores the importance of addressing the knowledge gaps and training needs of pharmacists to enhance their preparedness for clinical leadership roles. Furthermore, organizational policies, career development opportunities, and support systems need to be established to promote effective clinical leadership roles among pharmacists. Keywords: Clinical leadership, pharmacist, preparedness, Ghana

Background Medications are indispensable in women’s healthcare. Yet, there are barriers to their availability. Tracer medicines (TMs), as a representative subset of Essential Medicines (EMs) was pioneered by the World Health Organization (WHO) with a 100% expected availability benchmark. Managing the availability of TMs is a determinant of pharmacy performance, access to medicines and healthcare quality. There is paucity of studies on the availability of TMs in an obstetrics and Gynecology unit of a hospital. Aim The aim of the study was to assess availability of TMs in in an Obstetrics Gynecology (O &G) Department of a Teaching Hospital. Methodology The study was conducted on the 31st of January each year from 2019 to 2023 at the O & G department of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Data collected were analyzed using a modified WHO/ Health Action International (WHO/HAI) methodology to review TM availability only. The original WHO/HAI methodology reviews TM prices, availability and affordability. TM is available if physically existent and unexpired on the day of survey. Results At the O & G, there are 21 molecules that are classified as TM. For the years 2020, 2021 and 2023, all 21 molecules were 100% available on the day of the survey. In 2019 and 2022, 85.7% and 90.5% availability were recorded. Specific TMs that recorded some stock outs were Injections Ephedrine 30mg, Injection Magnesium sulphate 50%, Injection pethidine 100mg, Injection Vitamin K 1mg, as well as Tetracycline eye ointment. Conclusion Availability of TMs for women’s healthcare was less than 100% expected benchmark on some occasions. Policies are needed to improve availability, through an improved management of tracer medicines. A hospital-wide survey of more specialties is desirable for a wider view of access to TMs. Keywords: Tracer Medicine, Availability, expected benchmark,

Purpose This article aims to highlight the distribution and growing acceptance of electronic pharmacies through the National Electronic Pharmacy Platform (NEPP) among Ghanaian citizens. Methodology A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted, analyzing transaction data from 84 out of the 226 electronic pharmacies registered with NEPP. The data was assessed numerically to present a detailed statistical overview of medication utilization trends in Ghana. Findings Even though NEPP was only introduced in 2023, there’s evident growing interest among pharmacies. The growth potential is considerable, further amplified by ongoing awareness campaigns and training initiatives. Research implications The regulation of pharmacy practices and the growth of electronic pharmacies in Africa highlight the urgency for member countries to adopt and adapt to the NEPP model. Practical implications This study underscores the transformational capabilities of NEPP and its potential long-lasting effect on Ghana’s healthcare framework. Social Implications A significant observation is the elevated prescription rate for antibacterial medications. This might indicate a surge in bacterial infections within the Ghanaian populace, particularly those tied to respiratory issues. Addressing these infections and heightening awareness about diseases related to antibacterials is essential. Originality/value Our results offer valuable insights for the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, and the Pharmacy Council as they strategize on addressing antibacterial-related health concerns. Moreover, NEPP’s success in Ghana may motivate other nations to adopt similar systems, aiming to enhance their healthcare provisions.

Three major events have occurred in the journey of pharmacy practice over the last decade. The establishment of the Ghana College of Pharmacists, together with the introduction of a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in lieu of the Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree and a review of the job description for public sector health pharmacists are all key events that need to be noted for their significance. To build on these developments, clinical pharmacists must start demonstrating the value and impact of their services on health outcomes through implementation studies. The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana may consider this as part of its advocacy drive. Keywords: Pharmacy, implementation studies, Ghana, PSGH

Adequate tobacco control in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic cannot be overemphasized. As a Lower Middle-Income Country (LMIC) with peculiar needs, Ghana can strengthen her tobacco control regime by advancing country-specific and resilient programmes. The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in partnership with WHO embarked on a national project to sensitize law enforcement officers on the existing tobacco control provisions whilst identifying control barriers peculiar to the various regional groupings. The main outcome of this meeting was the development of a tobacco control enforcement plan which defined the framework for regional participation in tobacco control. The next phase of this project is the sustainability of the regional tobacco control units and the exploration of the inclusion of traditional leadership in tobacco control policy implementation. FDA recognizes that there is an important role of Traditional Authorities, Law enforcement agencies and other state agencies as tobacco control advocates. Keywords: Ghana, Tobacco, enforcement, control

Background: The private sector in Ghana provides 50% of health services in the country yet there is limited information on the supply chain management of MNCH commodities in this sector. Aim: To understand how MNCH commodities are managed within the private sector. Method: A mixed methods approach was used to capture supply chain related data on a subset of MNCH commodities in the private sector. The sampling strategy included the selection of four regions (Ashanti, Greater Accra, Northern, and Upper East) in Ghana. Quantitative data on product management, availability, source, pricing and registration were collected from retail pharmacies, private health facilities and wholesalers. Additionally qualitative data on factors influencing supply decisions were collected from wholesalers. Results: The study showed that retail pharmacies and wholesalers were less likely to manage injectable products like gentamicin, magnesium sulphate and oxytocin as compared to private health facilities. At all three facility types, amoxicillin DT, chlorhexidine gel and ORS + zinc co-pack were the least managed products. The main reason for non-management of MNCH products was “low or no client demand”. Majority of MNCH products had at least half of the most prevalent brands registered. Regarding product pricing, the results showed lower NHIS prices for certain products compared to selling prices at retail pharmacies and health facilities. Ninety percent of all three facility types met at least half of the storage requirements; with 100% of wholesalers and 96% of health facilities storing oxytocin in a working refrigerator. However, 25% of retail pharmacies did not store oxytocin within the recommended temperature range of 2-8 degrees. Conclusion: The private sector is influenced by commercial factors, which could come at a high cost in terms of availability, accessibility, and affordability for individuals and families. There is the need to create a cost incentive that encourages the private sector to offer and improve access to critical MNCH commodities, including amoxicillin DT, ORS + zinc co-pack, chlorhexidine gel and injectable MNCH products. Keywords: Private sector, MNCH, Supply Chain, Wholesale pharmacies, Retail pharmacies