The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has held its 9th White Coat Ceremony for the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programme.
A total of 339 PharmD students from the Class of 2026 officially donned their white coats, marking a pivotal step in their journey toward becoming licensed pharmacists.
The White Coat Ceremony, signifies the transition of students from theoretical classroom learning to practical, hands-on clinical training.
While thanking stakeholders for their immense support in student training, the Dean, Prof. Samuel Asare-Nkansah, appealed to benevolent organizations and individuals to help equip the faculty’s ICT lab with teaching and research resources.
“We cannot do without you and need you again for this cohort of PharmD students. We are extremely grateful for the training facilities, mentors, and preceptors you willingly provide every time to sharpen the skills of our students over the years.
“In this spirit of support, we appeal to the government, parents, guardians, representatives of corporate entities, alumni, and others to come to our aid by helping us equip our ICT lab with desktop computers to support teaching, learning, and computer-based examinations. At the moment, we need 60 desktop computers to revamp the 100-capacity ICT lab,” he said.
In a message delivered on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, warm congratulations were extended to the students.
“I stand here with immense pride and joy as we celebrate not only your academic achievements but also your commitment to making positive contributions to the noble profession of pharmacy,” the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. David Asamoah said.
Prof. Asamoah urged the students to embrace technological advancements, referencing Ghana’s innovative use of drone delivery services for pharmaceuticals as a model for progress in the field.
“The growing demand for pharmaceutical products requires us to enhance our skills with technology, especially in telecare and tele-pharmacy services,” he noted.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor encouraged the future pharmacists to “stay true to your values, even when the path is difficult, for it is in these moments of adversity that your character is truly revealed.”
The Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Christian Agyare, encouraged the students to build their soft skills.
“Behave as a professional, and your behavior will take you to places.”
The event was held under the theme: “Enhancing Pharmaceutical Care Outcomes Using Quality Improvement Initiatives.”
Dr. Mrs. Angela Ama Ackon, the World Health Organization (WHO) Ghana Technical Focal Person for Quality and Safety, and an alumna, urged the class to uphold quality improvement initiatives for the sustainable advancement of Ghana’s health system.
“You want to work and provide your input or be relevant to the health system in a way that services are provided to patients throughout their lives. You don’t want to focus on newborns and forget about the aged. It’s important to be efficient in the service or care you provide, master the use of scarce resources, and in doing so, minimize waste,” she explained.
Various prizes were presented to deserving students. Yahaya Mubarik Mbeinba emerged the overall best student.
