By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone has concluded a two-day Disciplinary Committee Hearing on August 20–21, 2025, at its Conference Room in Freetown, bringing 136 pharmaceutical outlets and enterprises before the Committee for multiple regulatory breaches.
The quarterly hearings form part of the Board’s sustained efforts to enforce compliance with pharmaceutical standards nationwide. The violations followed routine inspections by the Board’s Distribution Chain Inspection Department and included the absence of licensed professionals on premises, the sale of counterfeit and unregistered drugs and the illegal stocking of Class A, B and other controlled substances in patent medicine shops.
In line with Section 12(1) and Section 12(4)(b) of the Pharmacy and Drugs Act 2021, each violation attracted a fine of Le500. Offending outlets are required to pay into the Pharmacy Board’s account within 21 days of the ruling. Beyond fines, the compliance framework also provides for closure and license revocation in cases of persistent breaches.
Dr. Joy Bernadette Johnson, Head of the Enforcement and Narcotics Control Department, described the disciplinary measures as a strong warning to those undermining the law. She emphasized that monitoring would be intensified and cautioned that no operator would be spared if caught stocking restricted medicines in violation of regulations.
Registrar of the Pharmacy Board, Dr. James Komeh, reminded outlets that repeated warnings have been issued regarding illegal practices that endanger public health. He stressed that the licences of negligent pharmacists could be revoked, calling such conduct a “sheer disregard” for professional ethics. He reiterated that compliance is crucial to safeguarding public health in Sierra Leone.
Representing the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and serving as Chair of the Disciplinary Committee, Thomas Joe Freeman Esq, noted that with the forthcoming revised Act, non-compliant pharmaceutical outlets risk outright closure and licence revocation. He stated that the hearings were not only about fines but also about compelling operators to desist from dangerous practices that threaten the health and safety of Sierra Leoneans. He warned that repeat offenders will face harsher penalties in the future.
The Pharmacy Board is urging all pharmaceutical operators to comply strictly with licensing requirements, ensure the presence of qualified personnel and avoid stocking prohibited or unregistered medicines. Failure to comply, the Board warns, will continue to attract disciplinary action.
