Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, medical fraternity mourn distinguished pharmacist Dr. Samuel Kwasi Nkansah
The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) and the wider healthcare community are mourning the passing of Pharmacist Dr. Samuel Kwasi Nkansah, a distinguished pharmaceutical executive, mentor and healthcare leader whose nearly four decades of service transformed pharmacy practice and expanded access to quality medicines in Ghana and across West Africa.
Dr. Nkansah, a former Ghana Country Manager of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Country Manager for Anglophone West Africa, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2026.
Paying tribute during his burial service at Harvest Chapel International, South Tesano, the PSGH said it joined his family, friends, colleagues and the entire pharmacy fraternity in celebrating a life marked by professionalism, integrity and an unwavering commitment to improving public health.
The burial service was attended by hundreds of mourners, including family members, clergy, members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, doctors and nurses from the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, representatives of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists, staff of Samah Chemists, members of the Association of Registered Ethical Pharmaceutical Industries (AREPI), residents of the Manet Cottage Annex Housing Estate and friends.
Quoting civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Society said, "We must accept finite disappointment but never lose infinite hope," adding that Dr. Nkansah embodied that hope through a lifetime of dedicated service.
According to the Society, Dr. Nkansah devoted the greater part of his career to the pharmaceutical industry, where he distinguished himself as an exceptional medical representative, strategic leader and passionate advocate for improved access to quality medicines.
He began his professional career with GlaxoWellcome and played a pivotal role in the historic merger that created GlaxoSmithKline, successfully managing the transition and helping position the company for sustained growth.
Between 1991 and 2001, he served as District Manager for Anglophone West Africa before being appointed Ghana Country Manager of GSK in April 2001. Over the following 15 years, he held several senior leadership positions across Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa before retiring in 2016 as Lead for Government Affairs, GSK West Africa.
The PSGH noted that Dr. Nkansah graduated from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in June 1985 with a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree. After completing his internship at the Police Hospital and passing the Ghana Pharmacy Professional Qualifying Examination, he was registered as a pharmacist with registration number PA 905.
He officially became a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana on August 6, 1987, beginning what would become nearly four decades of distinguished service to the profession.
Throughout his career at GSK, Dr. Nkansah played a key role in introducing several innovative medicines into Ghana's healthcare system. These included Augmentin ES for severe childhood bacterial infections, Seretide for asthma management, Avandia for Type 2 diabetes, as well as other essential medicines such as Zinacef, Fortum, Zinnat, Ventolin and Ceporex.
The Society also credited him with contributing significantly to the introduction of GAVI-supported vaccines into Ghana's Expanded Programme on Immunisation, an achievement that strengthened child health and disease prevention nationwide.
Beyond his corporate accomplishments, Dr. Nkansah was a dedicated servant of the pharmacy profession. He was a founding member of the Association of Registered Ethical Pharmaceutical Industries (AREPI), where he served as Assistant Secretary, Secretary and later Vice President. Under his leadership, AREPI evolved into one of the most influential bodies within Ghana's pharmaceutical industry before becoming an interest group of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana.
Within the PSGH, he served in several leadership positions at both the regional and national levels. He was Assistant Secretary, Secretary and Chairman of the Greater Accra Regional Branch Executive Committee. Nationally, he served as Assistant General Secretary from 2000 to 2002 and as an Executive Committee member from 2002 to 2008.
He also served continuously on the Society's Governing Board from 1992 to 2008, making him one of the longest-serving members of the Society's principal governing body.
Dr. Nkansah was equally passionate about mentoring young pharmacists, particularly those pursuing careers in pharmaceutical marketing, sales and industry practice. Many professionals credit him with shaping their careers through his guidance and encouragement.
Even after his retirement, he remained actively engaged in advancing healthcare. As Chief Executive Officer, Managing Partner and Lead Consultant of Samah Holdings Limited, which comprises Samah Chemists, Samah Trading and Advocacy Consult Limited, he continued to provide strategic advice on healthcare policy, pharmacy practice and business development.
He also served as a consultant to the Presidential Committee on Vaccine Manufacturing in Ghana, contributing his expertise to one of the country's most important health initiatives.
In recognition of his outstanding service to the profession, Dr. Nkansah received the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana's highest honour during the Society's 2023 Annual General Meeting in Takoradi. He was also a Fellow of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists, reflecting his commitment to professional excellence and lifelong learning.
The PSGH said colleagues and associates would remember Dr. Nkansah not only for his remarkable professional achievements but also for his humility, wisdom, generosity and unwavering commitment to mentoring others.
The Society extended its deepest condolences to his wife, Dr. (Pharm.) Mrs. Florence Amah Nkansah, his son, Dr. Samuel Nkansah Jr., the entire Nkansah family and all whose lives he touched through his distinguished career and service.