Bono Health Director Urges Pharmacy Technicians to Combat Medication Errors Amid Concerns Over 4,000 Unemployed Professionals

Dr. Abdulai Abukari, the Bono Regional Director of Health Services, has called on pharmacy technicians across Ghana to exercise heightened vigilance during the dispensing of medications to safeguard patient health. Speaking at the 17th Annual General Conference of the Pharmacy Technicians Association of Ghana (PTAG), Dr. Abukari emphasized that the accuracy of these professionals is a cornerstone of effective healthcare delivery. The conference, themed "The Role of Pharmacy Technicians in Advancing SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being," served as a critical platform to address both the technical responsibilities and the professional challenges facing the sector.

Highlighting the specific risks associated with medication errors, Dr. Abukari urged technicians to be particularly cautious with high-risk drugs, such as anticoagulants, and to proactively consult clinicians whenever prescriptions appear unclear. He pointed to the growing concern of polypharmacy—the simultaneous use of multiple drugs by a patient—as a significant risk factor that requires expert oversight to prevent adverse drug reactions. To further modernize the profession and improve patient engagement, the Director encouraged the adoption of digital technologies, which can provide more robust tracking and communication tools for medication management.

Beyond clinical safety, the conference highlighted a significant crisis within the workforce: the unemployment of over 4,000 trained pharmacy technicians. Michael Gyamprah, President of PTAG, underscored the urgent need for government recruitment efforts to absorb these professionals into the health system. While addressing this shortage, Dr. Abukari urged the association's members to be willing to accept postings in underserved and rural areas where their expertise is most needed. The discussion also touched on systemic issues, including the lack of clear academic progression pathways for diploma holders and calls for increased transparency in pharmaceutical company tenders. Addressing these structural barriers is seen as essential for technicians to fully contribute to Ghana's pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal 3.