The Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi Prof. Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson, has called on pharmacists to combine scientific excellence with compassion and ethical leadership in professional practice.

The message was delivered on her behalf by the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. David Asamoah, at the second graduation ceremony of Entrance University of Health Sciences (EUHS), an institution academically affiliated with KNUST.

“Pharmacy is more than the study of medicines and drugs. It is a noble profession that combines deep scientific knowledge with a sincere commitment to human life,” the Vice-Chancellor said.

Speaking on the theme, “Pharmacy: Where Science Meets Compassion,” she said pharmacists must go beyond dispensing medicines to embrace people-centred care in an evolving healthcare environment shaped by emerging diseases and technological advances.

“Every prescription represents a person, and every patient comes with a story,” she said.

She urged the graduating Doctors of Pharmacy to translate scientific knowledge into guidance patients can understand, stressing the importance of ethics, empathy and integrity in professional practice.

“Let your knowledge guide your hands, your empathy guide your hearts, and your integrity guide every decision,” she said.

The Vice-Chancellor praised Entrance University of Health Sciences for its contribution to pharmaceutical education, noting that it is the first private university in the West African sub-region to offer the Doctor of Pharmacy programme with affiliation to KNUST.

She cited the institution’s 97% pass rate in the 2024 Pharmacy Council Licensure Examination as evidence of the quality of training and mentorship provided.

Addressing the graduands, she described the ceremony as the culmination of years of sacrifice and resilience.

“Today marks the end of one journey and the beginning of a lifetime of service to humanity,” she said, urging graduates to uphold professionalism and lifelong learning.

She also acknowledged the role of parents, guardians and benefactors, describing their support as central to the success of the graduating class.

Professor Asamoah conveyed greetings from the Vice-Chancellor, management and staff of KNUST to the leadership, faculty and students of Entrance University of Health Sciences.

He encouraged the graduates to contribute meaningfully to healthcare delivery in Ghana, Africa and beyond through service, competence and ethical leadership.

The ceremony was also graced by Nana Samuel Amo Tobin, Chancellor of Entrance University of Health Sciences.

By: Abigail Ofori