The tragic assassination of Pharmacist Mohammed Zia-ulhak Zibrim, CEO of Zimax Pharmacy and a key leader within the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH), has cast a harsh spotlight on the growing security risks faced by healthcare professionals in Ghana’s Upper East Region.
Zibrim, who was fatally shot outside his home in Bolgatanga on June 5, was not only a dedicated pharmacist but also a unifying figure in a region long plagued by ethnic conflicts, including the ongoing Bawku crisis. His death has prompted urgent calls from the PSGH and other stakeholders for enhanced protection of frontline healthcare workers whose safety is increasingly jeopardized by violence.
Dr. Samuel Kow Donkoh, PSGH President, described the killing as a “barbaric” act that has profoundly shaken the pharmacy community and threatens to undermine healthcare delivery in vulnerable areas. The society emphasized that Zibrim’s commitment to both his profession and community peace made him a symbol of hope amid tensions.
The incident underscores the precarious environment in which many community pharmacists operate—often working late hours in isolated settings without adequate security. The PSGH has appealed to government agencies to prioritize the safety of health workers and to expedite investigations into the murder to ensure justice is served.
More broadly, the killing raises urgent questions about the impact of persistent ethnic conflicts on public services and the well-being of citizens. The Upper East Region, especially areas affected by the Bawku conflict, continues to experience instability that disrupts social cohesion and threatens the delivery of essential services.
In its statement, the PSGH urged the government to intensify peacebuilding initiatives and strengthen security infrastructure in conflict-prone communities, emphasizing that sustainable peace is vital not only for lives but for the stability of healthcare systems.
Zibrim’s passing also serves as a somber reminder of the human cost of unresolved communal violence and the pressing need for a comprehensive approach that protects those who serve communities in critical roles.
The Pharmaceutical Society has extended its deepest condolences to Zibrim’s family and pledged unwavering support for the Upper East Regional members as they navigate this difficult time.
