UG School of Pharmacy Holds 4th White Coat Ceremony for PharmD Students
The School of Pharmacy at the University of Ghana has held its 4th White Coat Ceremony for seventy-seven (77) Level 500 Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students, marking their transition from preclinical studies to clinical training.
The ceremony brought together students, university management, faculty, government officials, industry partners and parents to celebrate the milestone.
Held under the theme, “The Pharmacist's Promise: First Contact, Lasting Impact,” the ceremony underscored the importance of ethical conduct and professional excellence in the field of pharmacy.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development, Professor Felix Ankomah Asante, described the event as a significant step in the professional journey of the students.
“As you’ve received these coats today, you are publicly committed to the highest standards of integrity, compassion and excellence in pharmaceutical care” Prof Asante echoed.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor further underscored the lasting impact students leave through patient counselling, patient safety and clinical intervention.
Speaking on the theme, the Dean of the School of Pharmacy, Prof. Irene Kretchy, emphasised the critical role Pharmacists play as accessible healthcare professionals whose expertise, compassion and commitment can profoundly influence patient outcomes and public health.
She further highlighted the School’s achievements, including its recognition as the Best Pharmacy Training Institution in Ghana and the consistent outstanding performance of its graduates in professional qualifying examinations. She also announced plans to commence activities marking the School’s 20th anniversary later this year.
Serving as the Guest of Honour, Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency and Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. John Setor Dumelo, reiterated the importance of Pharmacists in national development.
He noted that government’s proposed 24-hour economy policy would create more opportunities for Pharmacists and improve access to healthcare services across the country.
The Keynote speaker, Chief Executive Officer of Top Up Pharmacy, Dr. Richard Kwadwo Odor advised students not to be intimidated by gaps in knowledge but rather ask questions and seek guidance when necessary.
He further urged them to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, particularly in community pharmacy, by reimagining pharmacy spaces as patient-centred wellness hubs and introducing innovative approaches that improve healthcare delivery and patient experience.
Dr. Odor also emphasised the importance of mentorship and ethical practice in shaping successful pharmacy careers. Drawing on practical examples, he highlighted the critical role pharmacists play in ensuring patient safety through careful assessment, counselling and timely interventions.
He encouraged the students to go beyond dispensing medicines to understanding patients holistically, stressing that compassionate engagement can significantly improve health outcomes.
Speaking on behalf of the class, Michelle Tetteh, Kwaku Agyeman-Duah and John Nilimoh Ngmalbini recounted their journey through pharmacy school, sharing experiences from their early days in the programme to the present stage and highlighting the challenges, memorable moments and strong support systems that have shaped their growth.
As part of the ceremony, the School presented citations to selected individuals and organisations for their unwavering support in advancing pharmaceutical education and professional development.
The recipients include Pharmatrust Pharmacy and UNICOM Chemist Limited.