The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH), Dr. Paul Owusu Donkor, has paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, ahead of the Society’s 90th Anniversary celebration.
The visit was to formally invite the Vice-Chancellor and Management of the University to commemorate the anniversary celebration under the theme, “Science, Impact and Legacy: 90 Years of Pharmaceutical Excellence.”
Dr. Owusu Donkor noted that following his assumption of office as President of PSGH, he considered it important to pay a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor in appreciation of her encouragement and support during his campaign and after his election.
He described Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson is an inspiration to pharmacists and professionals across the country.
He explained that the anniversary celebration seeks to reflect on the scientific contributions of pharmacy, its impact on healthcare delivery, and the legacy of pharmacists who have distinguished themselves in leadership and service.
Chairman of the PSGH 90th Anniversary Planning Committee, Pharm. Kwabena Asante Offei further explained that the celebration is anchored on three key pillars: community healthcare, pharmacy education, and regulation within the pharmaceutical sector.
He indicated that the “legacy” component of the theme recognises pharmacists and professionals whose contributions continue to shape healthcare delivery and education in Ghana and beyond.
He further noted that Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson would be specially recognised during the celebration for her contribution to pharmacy education and higher education leadership, particularly as the first female pharmacist to become Vice-Chancellor of KNUST.
“We are recognising you not just because you are a pharmacist, but because you have distinguished yourself with grace and excellence in leadership,” he stated.
Welcoming the delegation, Professor Dickson expressed appreciation to PSGH for the invitation and recognition extended to the University.
She noted that achievements within the University community are the result of collective effort and institutional support.
“Whatever we have achieved has been possible because the University provided us with the opportunity to serve. As leaders, we are only as strong as the teams we work with,” she said.
Professor Dickson commended the Society for selecting a theme that highlights science, innovation, impact, and legacy in professional practice and national development.
“What is life if we are not thinking about the legacy we leave behind?” she asked. “Science, impact and legacy beautifully capture the essence of our profession and our responsibility to future generations.”
Reflecting on the development of pharmacy education at KNUST since 1953, she encouraged the Society to continue positioning the profession for greater relevance and global competitiveness.
“90years! We know where we have come from, but the important question is where we go from here,” she remarked, urging continuous innovation and adaptation within pharmacy practice in response to technological advancement and evolving healthcare needs.
Professor Dickson congratulated Dr. Owusu Donkor on his election as President of PSGH and expressed confidence in his leadership.
