Achievers Pharmacy and Medical Center in Obuasi has received clearance to resume its operations after being temporarily shut down by a group claiming to act on instructions from the Pharmacy Council in Kumasi. This news comes as a great relief to the patrons, staff, and management of Achievers Medical Centre, who have been affected by the closure for the past two weeks.

0

The closure of the pharmacy had sparked media reports, with allegations of the Pharmacy Council's "unlawful" actions. It was claimed that the closure was due to the pharmacy's failure to pay a penalty of GH¢3,500 for a delayed license renewal by eight days. Philip Anokye, the Chief Executive Officer of Achievers Pharmacy and Medical Center, deemed this closure to be a violation of the principles of natural justice.

1

In response, the company's board of directors instructed their lawyers to write to the Pharmacy Council in Kumasi, seeking explanations for the situation. The good news now is that the management of Achievers Pharmacy and Medical Center has received clearance to reopen the pharmacy and continue providing their wholesale and retail services.

2

Interacting with the media after a meeting, CEO Philip Anokye said the decision by the Council is a vindication of their stance all along, saying they did not breach any of the regulations by the Council so were surprised that on 3rd of May, one Amoh with two police officers wielding guns purported to have been sanctioned by the Pharmacy Council in Kumasi, forced and closed down Achievers Pharmacy shop.

3

Board of Directors of the company upon their checks revealed that the men who came to close down the shop again on 4th of May, 2023 were not from the Ghana Pharmacy Council in Accra (as they claimed), but believed that they were working on the behest of somebody from the Council in Kumasi since the Director of the Pharmacy Council in Accra, confirmed to have not sanctioned that operation. “We wish to express our profound gratitude to Dr.

4

Audu Rauf, the Registrar, Pharmacy Council in Accra for taking keen interest in the case, intervening and making sure justice is served.” Achievers Pharmacy and Medical Center has recalled the over 20 working staff back to duty and they promise to continue to discharge their duties responsibly by providing quality healthcare services to their clients in and around Obuasi.

5

Achievers Pharmacy and Medical Center was established in 2018 and has been providing both pharmaceutical and laboratory services.

6