This weekend was HISTORIC!
The first annual conference of the Ghana Pharmacists Association International (GPhA), took place at the BWI Marriott in Baltimore, Maryland. This was the culmination of the hard work and preparations by GPhA Executives and GPhA Leadership Team.
The event was well attended by members throughout the USA and a mother-daughter duo from Canada. Gifty Lano, President of the North America Ghana Nurses Foundation and pharmacy students from Howard University also participated.
The Senior Minister of Ghana, Dr. Yaw Osafo-Maafo delivered the keynote address on the theme “Uniting to make an Impact.”
On Friday night, August 24, Sandoz, Inc. sponsored a dinner and presentation on Biosimilars, delivered by Dr. Wallene Bullard.
Notable speakers such as Dr. Christopher Keeys, Dr. Nana Akosua Boateng, Dr. Linda Sarpong, Mr. Francis Aboagye-Nyame, and Mr. Ngu Nyimdem provided updates on clinical practice, entrepreneurship, business, and information technology on Saturday. The day also included networking events and the GPhA Congress meeting, and concluded with an evening gala.
The GPhA Congress resulted in the following important developments:
- GPhA national interim executives were unanimously voted into 3-year terms of office, per stipulations of the GPhA constitution
- Two new State chapters were inaugurated and interim officers appointed. These are:
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- Florida
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- Abena Milner (Interim President)
- Sakyi K. Sarsah (Interim Vice President)
- Kwame Kyeremateng-Afrani (Interim Treasurer)
- Enoch Ofosu (Ambassador)
- Pending (General Secretary)
- NY/NJ
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- Aniwaa Owusu Obeng (Interim President)
- Corrine Larkai-Asare (Interim Vice President)
- Mary Appiah-Agyei (Gen. secretary)
- Efua Ghansah (Interim Treasurer)
- Nana Attafuah Beckoe (Programs Coordinator)
- Dr. Eillen Dankwaah was nominated and confirmed as the new national programs coordinator, replacing Dr. Michael Nyame-Mireku.
- Member dues will continue to be on an annual basis, with a pro-ration accommodation made for new members.
- The house deliberated on dates and venues for GPhA’s next annual conference, with the decision made that GPhA Executives will put out suggestions for members to vote on.
- The motion carried to change the name of GPhA-US to GPhA-NA on the association’s website.
The occasion was crowned by an evening gala; one of the highlights was a rich, colorful Ghanaian cultural display. Members, resplendently dressed in their formal wear, continued to network at their dinner tables and on the dance floor afterwards.
Dr. Yaw Osafo-Maafo, Dr. Anthony Wutoh, Mr. Eric Boateng (pharmacist and representative for the Ambassador of Ghana to USA), all gave speeches to pledge their support and encourage GPhA in its endeavors to make a positive impact.
GPhA President Dr. Kofi Bawuah delivered the state of GPhA address and all of the State Chapters and their Executives were also recognized.
It was an evening of fun-filled activities, good food and dancing. It was BEAUTIFUL!
On Sunday, August 26 the GPhA Business Committee met to explore and discuss opportunities for financial investments. The committee was tasked to come up with a report to this end.
On behalf of the Executives, I express my heartfelt thanks to all and sundry for your precious time, selfless efforts, and financial contributions that made this occasion a resounding success!
Click here for photos of the event. You may also upload yours...
AYEKOO!!
Sam, GPhA General Secretary
202.247.7569
