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Over-the-Counter Medicine Shop

A licensed OTC shop is the realistic entry point into pharmaceutical retail without a pharmacist on payroll.

01

Business structure

A licensed chemical seller shop stocking approved over-the-counter medicines and basic health items.

02

Capital requirements

All figures in Ghana Cedis (GHs). These are planning estimates — get quotes from local suppliers before committing money.

Clinical equipmentGHs 11,500 – GHs 54,000
Consumables and drug stockGHs 4,500 – GHs 21,500
Premises rent and fit-outGHs 6,300 – GHs 30,000
HeFRA licensing and professional feesGHs 3,000 – GHs 14,500
Total initial investmentGHs 25,000 – GHs 120,000
03

Licensing & permits

The compliance path in Ghana, from registration through to sector regulators.

  1. 1Reserve the name and register the business at the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC)
  2. 2Get a TIN linked to your Ghana Card and register for tax at the nearest GRA office
  3. 3Apply for a Business Operating Permit from your Metropolitan, Municipal or District Assembly
  4. 4Licence the facility with the Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA)
  5. 5Register practitioners with their council (Medical & Dental, Nursing, Pharmacy Council)
  6. 6Apply for FDA authorisation before stocking or dispensing any medicines
  7. 7Register as an Over-the-Counter Medicine Seller with the Pharmacy Council
04

Target market

  • Rural and peri-urban households
  • Communities without a nearby pharmacy
  • Small clinics
05

Risk assessment

01

Delayed NHIS reimbursements squeezing working capital

02

Malpractice exposure without proper indemnity cover

03

Difficulty retaining licensed clinical staff

04

High cost of imported equipment and consumables

06

Marketing strategies

  1. 1Build referral relationships with nearby clinics, pharmacies and CHPS compounds
  2. 2Run community screening days to introduce the facility
  3. 3Register with the major private health insurers and NHIS where eligible
  4. 4Keep an active Google Business Profile with opening hours and directions

Fees, levies and permit requirements change. Confirm the current position with the Office of the Registrar of Companies, the Ghana Revenue Authority and your Metropolitan, Municipal or District Assembly before you spend.

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