The Community Practice Pharmacists Association (CPPA) has condemned in the strongest terms the killing of Pharmacist Mohammed Zia-Ulhak Zibrim, Chief Executive Officer of Zimax Pharmacy in Bolgatanga, describing the act as “heinous and tragic.”
Zibrim was shot dead shortly after returning home from work. The CPPA, which represents the largest group of practicing pharmacists within the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH), has declared a nationwide period of mourning beginning 12th June 2025.
“It is with profound sorrow that we acknowledge the untimely demise of Pharmacist Zibrim, who was fatally shot in his vehicle on the evening of Thursday 5th June 2025, in front of his residence, shortly after completing his professional duties”
CPPA
In its official statement, the association expressed profound sorrow over the murder, pointing to the growing threats community pharmacists face in their line of duty.
According to the CPPA, Zibrim was targeted just moments after completing his professional obligations, a reality that has deeply shaken the fraternity and called into question the safety of healthcare providers across the country.
The CPPA has therefore instructed all community pharmacists across Ghana to wear red armbands or red headgear and to drape their pharmacies in red cloth, bands, or flags during the seven-day mourning period. This, the association said, is not just a symbol of grief but a visible expression of unity, rage, and demand for accountability.
As frontline healthcare professionals, community pharmacists often extend their services beyond typical working hours, especially in underserved areas like Bolgatanga. The CPPA emphasized that these professionals do so at great personal risk, and in return, they deserve security and dignity in their service to the nation.
“Our role is instrumental in the primary healthcare delivery system of the nation. We are committed to serving our communities diligently, often beyond standard hours, to ensure the well-being and survival of those reliant upon our services”
CPPA
Calls for Justice
The CPPA, in collaboration with the PSGH, is demanding that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) acts immediately to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the killing.
The association warned that failure to act decisively could lead to widespread withdrawal of services by pharmacists, particularly during night hours, thereby undermining public health access in remote areas.
“Any delay or inaction will only serve to intimidate pharmacies, pharmacists across all ethnicities, forcing them to limit their services to daytime hours. Enough is enough; swift justice must be served now”
CPPA
In addition to calls for arrest and prosecution, the CPPA is urging the state to implement lasting and meaningful security interventions for community pharmacies. They called for increased police visibility, rapid response mechanisms, and region-specific protective measures, especially in high-risk areas such as the Upper East Region.
“Pharmacist Zibrim dedicated his professional efforts tirelessly, providing essential health services to his community day and night. His life was taken in cold blood after fulfilling his duties, merely steps from his home”
CPPA
The CPPA expressed how his murder has not only robbed a community of a critical health provider but also exposed a vulnerability in Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure – the insecurity of those who operate closest to the people.
As the nation mourns, the CPPA says it remains resolute in upholding the safety, dignity, and professional commitment of all pharmacists. The association concluded its statement with a call to all stakeholders – government, law enforcement, and civil society – to treat the incident not as an isolated crime but as a national crisis requiring urgent and unified response.
“We trust that all stakeholders will prioritize the protection of human life and uphold justice,” the CPPA affirmed.
Heartfelt condolences have been extended to the bereaved family by the association. As the red cloths go up across pharmacies this week, the question remains whether Ghana will rise to protect those who protect its health.
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