UG School of Pharmacy Holds Maiden White Coat Ceremony

The University of Ghana School of Pharmacy has held its first White Coat Ceremony to usher in the first batch of 5th year Pharmacy Students into the programme's clinical years.  

The event which took place at the Great Hall, was on the theme: ‘Retooling the Pharmacist for Practice in the Digital Age.’

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, stated that the ceremony, which is intended to foster a professional attitude, is significant because it instils a sense of responsibility and commitment in student Pharmacists who are adorned in a white coat, which is a recognised symbol of clinical service and care towards patients or clients. 

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo

She indicated that, “this ceremony is evident that the University of Ghana is undergoing massive transformation by adding value to its pre-existing range of programmes and services.”

Prof. Nana Aba encouraged the students to incorporate technological advancements into their field of work.  

She also charged them with resolving to protect their patients' rights and privacy, caring for them, and upholding and maintaining ethical practices in their interactions with them in order to make them feel safe. She expressed her gratitude to the committee for their efforts and congratulated the students on their accomplishments. 

Prof. Isaac Julius Asiedu Gyekye, Dean of the School of Pharmacy, gave a brief history of the School and revealed that due to limited infrastructure, the School had to admit only 131 applicants who were duly qualified for admission to the programme. 

He expressed the hope that the School will broaden its admissions process in the subsequent academic years. He then commended the past and present Deans for their unwavering support to students, as well as the committee members and organisers for their contributions to the programme's success. 

Addressing the theme, Keynote Speaker, Pharm. Frank Owiredu-Yeboah, Head, Account Maintenance Origination and Servicing (AMOS) at Stanbic Bank Ltd., remarked that if Pharmacists do not collaborate in the digital world, they will become irrelevant. He further explained that collaboration in that context meant sharing of data and insights among CCPA, Pharmacists and other health practitioners. He recommended that a platform be developed such that Pharmacists could access data for analysis and findings. He urged his colleagues to receive constructive feedback in good faith. 

A cross-section of students at the Ceremony

Pharm. Owiredu-Yeboah also advised them to take advantage of social media platforms and to be good communicators. 

Some former Deans and Administrators namely, Prof. Sackeyfio, Prof. Alexander K. Nyarko, Mrs. Bernice Tamakloe, and Mrs. Susan Fosua Okan were also awarded for their immense contributions to the School. 

Mr. Andy Andoh, speaking on behalf of the class of 2024, recounted the transition period from level 100 to date. He expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the faculty, parents, and guardians for their unwavering support. 

The Abibigroma Theatre Company performed beautiful traditional dances during the event's procession and recession. 

Also in attendance were Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhassan, MP, Ayawaso West Wuogon; Prof. Gordon Awandare, Pro Vice-Chancellor (ASA); Prof. Julius Fobil, Provost, College of Health Sciences; Heads of Department from the  University of Ghana Medical School; staff, parents and students.