By Stephen Asanrte
Accra, March 27, GNA – The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) is advising members to be devoted to ethical practice and patient safety.
Their impact should be lasting, grounded in competence, compassion, and integrity, the Reverend Dr (pharm) Dennis Sena Awitty, Executive Secretary of the Society, noted.
“The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and you must be prepared to grow with it. Let me remind you that behind every medicine is a human life, and behind every decision is a responsibility that must never be taken lightly,” he said while addressing a White Coat ceremony of the University of Ghana’s School of Pharmacy (SoP), in Accra.
In all, seventy-seven (77) Level 500 trainee pharmacists were robed in white coats under the supervision of the PSGH on the theme, “The Pharmacist Promise: First Contact; Lasting Impact,” signifying their journey towards the practical stage of their training.
The advice comes as the SoP marks its 20th Anniversary this year (2026), having established a legacy that continues to shape excellence in pharmacy education, research and service for decades to come.
It was recently adjudged the Overall Best Pharmacy Training Institution in Ghana, receiving the 2025 Prof A.N. Tackie Excellence in Pharma Education Award.
The Rev Dr (pharm) Awitty reminded the trainees that they had crucial roles to play in pharmacy practice and healthcare delivery in the country.
“For many of you who will serve in hospitals, you will be integral members of multidisciplinary teams, ensuring safe, effective, and rational use of medicines.
“For those who will practice in community pharmacies, you will be the most accessible healthcare professionals, providing guidance, counselling, and reassurance to the public on daily basis. In both settings, your impact must be lasting,” the Executive Secretary emphasised.
He described the white coat investiture as a defining transition in the journey of the trainees — from the structured environment of classroom learning to the dynamic and demanding world of clinical practice.
“The white coat you receive today is not merely a garment; it is a symbol of trust, responsibility, and service. It represents the confidence that society places in you as future experts and custodians of medicines and stewards of patient care,” he noted.
The Executive Secretary drew the attention of the trainees to the fact that as future pharmacists, they would often be the first point of contact within the healthcare system—whether in hospitals, community pharmacies, industry, or public health settings.
In that first encounter, he explained, patients would bring not just prescriptions, but concerns, fears, and hopes. “Your knowledge, your empathy, and your professionalism will shape their experience and, ultimately, their outcomes.”
Prof Irene Kretchy, Dean of the School of Pharmacy, said the School had aligned its vision with the University’s Strategic Plan (2024-2029), with emphasis on the strategic priority to deliver a transformative student experience.
“Through our dynamic academic environment and strong culture of collaboration, as well as our extensive community engagement, outreach initiatives and experiential training, we strive to ensure that our students’ journey at the UG shapes them into highly competent pharmacy professionals,” she stated.
The overall agenda, she said, was to ensure the trainees worked assiduously to be innovative, technologically adept, and deeply committed to compassionate, patient-centred care and leadership in healthcare.
Mr John Setor Dumelo, Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, and Member of Parliament (MP) for Ayawaso West Wuogon, who graced the occasion, said the 24-hour economy policy introduced by the Government presented pharmacists with the opportunity to expand their businesses.
They should, therefore, avail themselves of the programme to accelerate healthcare delivery in the country, he stated.
Dr Richard Kwadwo Odor, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TopUp Pharmacy, in a motivational message to the trainees, advised them not to shun working in deprived communities.
The job of a pharmacists, he said, called for humility and dedication, urging the younger generation to always demonstrate utmost respect to patients.
Prof Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, the Vice Chancellor, University of Ghana, Legon, in a message delivered on her behalf, lauded the trainees for their successful transition into the practical stage of their education.
GNA
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong