We're being witch hunted - Achievers Pharmacy boss cries over 'unlawful' closure of facility in Konongo

The Chief Executive Officer of Achievers Pharmacy and Laboratory Services, Philip Anokye, has strongly criticized the Ashanti Regional Director of the Ghana Pharmacy Council for what he perceives as a witch-hunt and an attempt to hinder the operations of young entrepreneurs engaged in legitimate businesses in the country.

Anokye's remarks came in response to media reports of the closure of the pharmacy department of his facility during a joint operation by the Pharmacy Council in the Ashanti Region and the police at their Konongo branch on Friday, February 2, 2024. He asserted that the operation, specifically targeting Achievers Pharmacy, was conducted under questionable circumstances, as even the police officers involved seemed reluctant due to the unclear motives of the Regional Director.

Achievers Pharmacy and Laboratory Services, a prominent medical facility in the Ashanti Region with branches in Obuasi and Konongo, has been subjected to similar actions in the past, leading to prolonged closures of their facilities. Anokye attributed these actions to what he described as persecution by Benjamin Kwarteng Frimpong, the Ashanti regional director of the Pharmacy Council.

Anokye clarified that all necessary procedures were followed before opening their Konongo branch, including hiring a qualified pharmacist and undergoing online registration processes with the Pharmacy Council, with the Director's full participation and assistance since January 2024.

Highlighting the lengthy and bureaucratic nature of the registration process, Anokye emphasized that it is customary in the pharmaceutical business to commence operations while undergoing registration due to customer demands, despite ongoing processes.

Anokye raised concerns about the significant payments made to the Director and his team as facilitation fees during the registration process, which he deemed as extortion.

Furthermore, he noted that their laboratory had been certified by the Health Facility Regulatory Agency (HeFRA), indicating compliance with regulatory procedures.

Anokye accused the Ashanti Regional Director of the Pharmacy Council of stifling young entrepreneurs and deterring new pharmacists and pharmaceutical companies from emerging. He urged for governmental intervention to address the alleged illegal activities of the Council, which he believes are detrimental to legitimate businesses in the country.