The Ghana Society of Dermatology is a non-profit making organisation affiliated to the Ghana Medical Association.

The Society was birthed on February 17, 2012, as a re-vamped group from the erstwhile Ghana Society of Dermatologists, which was instituted in the 70s by the founders; Prof. Edmund Delle, the Late Dr Sackeyfio, Prof. JH Addy, Prof HA Addo and the Late Brigadier General Rtd Dr A B Gyening. 

The Society of Dermatology was expanded to include any interested persons from the Medical Profession, other Health Professionals with interest in Dermatology, members of the Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Industries, Patients and Patient Support Groups, the Press and individuals who share the Vision of the Society, with the aim of bringing together all who contribute to the practice of Dermatology in the Country, so as to promote quality skincare in Ghana.

Mission Statement:

To Promote and Provide Healthy Skin for all Ghanaians through Advocacy, Education and Training, and Quality Treatment of Skin Disorders.

All members, therefore, share the vision of promoting healthy skin and providing quality treatment for skin disorders. 

The Society currently has a membership comprising Dermatologists, Medical Practitioners and Physician Assistants with a special interest in Dermatology, Pharmacists, Advocates, and Personnel from the Food and Drugs Authority. 

Achievements over the past 10 years

Influencing Regulation

One of GSD’s biggest achievements has been collaborating with the FDA to ban the importation and sale of hydroquinone-based products to reduce the incidence of skin bleaching.

The menace of skin bleaching has been trending in the Country for more than a decade and the use of harmful, unauthorised substances to achieve lighter skin needs to be constantly addressed until it is abolished.

Education

The Society has diligently been advocating for the quality training of Medical Practitioners interested in Dermatology, to fill the gap identified in the availability of skilled personnel for the management of skin disorders in the Country. GSD strongly espouses the training of various cadres of Skin Care Professionals and has diligently organised Continuous Professional Development (CPD) sessions on Dermatology over the past years for Health Professionals interested in this Specialty.

Members have also rendered their services as tutors and lecturers in training Medical Students and Residents, among other professionals. The Society identifies a need to bring together seasoned Dermatologists and Medical Personnel/Health-Care Providers/Pharmacists with interest in Dermatology to have a united voice in advocating for Quality Skin Care Management for the populace. 

Advocacy/awareness creation on pertinent Dermatological Conditions:

In Ghana, there are very few Medical Personnel practicing in Dermatology. The Society has therefore been embarking on activities and interventions which create awareness on Dermatological Conditions of Public Health concern such as Skin Bleaching and Skin Infections. With the plethora of uncertified skincare products (especially skin bleaching products) and Over-The-Counter steroids and antibiotics (which are obtained without prescription and without questioning the indication for the medications), the Society has been vocal in advocating censorship and tighter control by the FDA to curtail the harmful sequelae of patronising these products without proper guidance by a certified Dermatologist or Health Personnel.

The surge of skin infections, Skin Cancers, Acne, Stunted Growth, Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, among others from this practice cannot be over-emphasised. The Society has been using multiple media platforms such as Radio, TV, Print, and Social Media to create awareness of such menaces in society.

Services and Outreaches: 

Members of the society have contributed to society beyond their services as Dermatologists and have embarked on Clinical Outreaches to the Pantang Hospital and the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, The Senior Correctional Centre of the Ghana Prisons’ Service pro bono with free medications from sponsoring Pharmaceutical Companies.

Partnerships/Advocates

The GSD recognises that its members, who are very few but vibrant, dedicated and passion-driven to deliver results, cannot work alone. It has therefore collaborated, over the years, with companies which share its vision, such as L’oreal, Unilever, Tobinco, Luex, Ansapharma, Suprapharma, and Rabito Health Services to offer not only Dermatological Consultations and Services but also medications to the less fortunate in society, through outreaches in its quest to leave no one behind in promoting healthy skin for all.

There have been very key partners worth mentioning, including Dr. Michelle Verchoose of L’Oreal who was instrumental in the formation of the Society and has supported research into black skin and hair. Another advocate of GSD has been Mr. Sulemain Adam, the Advocacy Officer of the Ghana Association of Persons with Albinism, who has been selfless in creating awareness of his condition to reduce stigma and educate on sun protection.

Through its collaborative efforts, the Society has been instrumental in the development of the African Society of Dermatology and Venereology, a continental platform with similar vision and objectives; a society which many GSD members belong to as well.

Publications

The Ghana Society of Dermatology, as a professional body, has churned out a number of publications on Dermatology, presented at multiple conferences and used various platforms to showcase its work. It also promotes knowledge sharing and acquisition.

Activities for the commemoration of the 10^th anniversary

The Ghana Society of Dermatology on the occasion of its 10th Anniversary has selected the theme: Love Your Skin. This theme emphasises the need for all to love and take good care of the largest organ in the human body, which often is taken for granted. It is a fervent call for all to be mindful of nourishing the skin and body by eating a healthy, balanced diet, staying hydrated, washing the skin with gentle cleansers, moisturising adequately, avoiding bleaching products and protecting the skin from direct sunlight (using sunscreens and the wearing of hats and sunglasses).

It is the Society’s aim that its vision of promoting Healthy Skin and providing quality treatment for skin disorders will be shared by all, as it celebrates this milestone. A number of commemorative activities have been outlined, including a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) session on Dermatology, sensitisation on skincare issues via Radio Talk shows, Medical Outreaches, a Dinner/Gala, and Thanksgiving Service, spanning Friday 11th to Sunday 20th February 2022.

As the Society celebrates this landmark, it invites everyone to champion the theme of loving our beautiful skin and promoting the healthy- habit of seeking professional care for skin management. Investment in healthy skin will reap undeniable, visible, and life-saving dividends. 

Solidarity message

Congratulatory Message from GAPA

On your 10th Anniversary, the President, Executive Director, and the entire membership of the Ghana Association of Persons with Albinism having realised the valuable contributions and support rendered to the albinism community from your existence till now, we send you warm felicitations.

Health delivery begins with collaboration, advocacy, and education through service provision, which is exactly what your society offers. May the years ahead bring further collaborative efforts to bear in fighting the common enemy of cancer through effective sun care education. Congratulations GSD!

Congratulation once again on your 10th Anniversary.