Pharmacy owners in the Volta and Oti regions have appealed to regulators to adopt a more flexible approach in enforcing licensing directives, following the closure of several community pharmacies over non-renewal of operating permits.

The Volta and Oti Pharmacy Proprietors Association (VOPPA) explained it is not opposed to regulatory enforcement but is urging authorities to allow more time for compliance. 

According to the association’s Team Lead for Media Relations, Dr (Med) Redeemer Seyram Fiebor, members are calling for engagement and a clear timeline to enable affected operators to regularise their status.

“We are not faulting the regulators for enforcing the laws. We are only appealing to them to be a bit flexible, engage us, and give us timelines so we can prepare and comply,” Dr (Med) Redeemer Seyram Fiebor, stated.

He stated that the challenges stem from a new directive introduced this year, which restricts pharmacists who are engaged elsewhere from supporting the license renewal process for community pharmacies. This, he said, disrupted long-standing arrangements many operators relied on, leaving them unable to meet the renewal requirements within the short notice period.

“As the directive came into force, some of us were still in the process of renewing our licenses using previous arrangements. We were unable to quickly secure alternative pharmacists, which led to unsuccessful renewals,”  he explained.

Despite submitting a petition through regional pharmacy owners in Volta and Oti, requesting an extension to comply, the association says enforcement began before any response was received. Since Tuesday, the Pharmacy Council’s regional unit has embarked on an exercise to close down non-compliant facilities.

Dr Fiebor, disclosed that as of the latest count, 9 pharmacies have been shut down, with more expected to be affected as the exercise continues across municipalities in the region.

The association warns that the closures could have significant social and economic consequences. With an estimated membership of about 75 pharmacy operators, VOPPA says each affected shop employs at least five people - mostly young graduates - raising concerns about potential job losses. The association added that this will negatively affect payment of bank loans and shop rentals by pharmacy owners.

“In some communities, there is only one pharmacy serving the entire area. Closing these facilities means residents will have to travel long distances to access basic medicines and first aid,” he added.

He also highlighted the financial losses facing business owners, particularly due to perishable medical supplies, including temperature-sensitive drugs that require constant storage conditions.

“These medicines cannot be used once they are compromised. Many operators invest in generators to maintain cold chains, so the impact goes beyond closure it affects their entire investment,”  he explained. 

Beyond individual businesses, the association cautions that the enforcement could have a ripple effect on the broader economy, including suppliers and wholesalers who depend on these pharmacies, as well as tax revenues to the state and local authorities.

VOPPA, therefore, emphasised its call for dialogue with regulators to find a balanced approach that ensures compliance while safeguarding livelihoods and access to essential healthcare services.