By Morkporkpor Anku, GNA
Accra, Feb. 7, GNA – The government has lauded Ernest Chemists Limited, a leading pharmaceutical company in Ghana, for 40 years of outstanding contributions to the pharmaceutical industry, highlighting its role in producing high-quality medicines that meet international standards.
Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minister of Health, praised Dr Ernest Bediako Sampong, the Founder, for his vision and perseverance.
The Minister made these remarks in a speech read on his behalf by Dr Hafez Adam Taher, Director of Technical Coordination, Ministry of Health, during the launch of the Company’s 40th Anniversary celebrations in Accra on Friday.
“Ernest Chemists’ progress gives Ghana hope that with the right leadership and dedication, our local pharmaceutical industry can compete on the global stage,” he said.
He emphasised the company’s pivotal role in reducing reliance on imported medicines, creating jobs for over 1,000 Ghanaians, and strengthening the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
Mr Akandoh welcomed Ernest Chemists’ plans to establish Ghana’s first state-of-the-art Good Manufacturing Practice facility, describing the initiative as fully aligned with the government’s strategy to position Ghana as a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub in Africa.
He encouraged the company to explore the 24-hour economy to maximise productivity and assured of government’s continued provision of a supportive and business-friendly environment.
He called on private-sector players like Ernest Chemists to play a transformative role in Africa’s health sector
The Minister congratulated the company’s management, staff, and partners for four decades of service and officially launched the anniversary, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s thriving pharmaceutical sector.
Madam Adjoa Akyema Sampong, the Chief Executive Officer of Ernest Chemist, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding access to quality medicines across Ghana and beyond, leveraging cutting-edge technology to boost production and distribution.
She emphasised its efforts to bridge the gap between academia and industry through research and development, enhancing local medicine production to reduce imports and ease the demand on foreign exchange.
She said the Company would foster strategic partnerships with multinational firms for contract manufacturing as a key avenue for technology and knowledge transfer.
The CEO expressed confidence that the years ahead would mark an even more defining era.
“Our goal remains to lead the market in innovation, quality, and customer service excellence,” she said.
Madam Sampong said the Company was excited about the journey ahead and looking forward to continued collaboration with all stakeholders.
She said as a wholly Ghanaian-owned Company Ernest Chemist contributions to national development spanned several sectors, with one of its most significant impacts being the creation of over 1500 direct jobs.
The dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, the Company had grown to become a market leader with 50 wholesale and retail outlets, as well as manufacturing and warehousing facilities across the country.
It has presence in Nigeria, Siera Leone, Liberia and the Gambia.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe