By Maxwell Awumah, GNA
Ho, Nov 6, GNA-Professor Kodzo Gavua, Chairman of the Governing Council of University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has said the Council, in partnership with the Government is shadowing the development of a fully-fledged School of Pharmacy to befit the status of the University.
This initiative, he acknowledges would provide the requisite infrastructure, laboratories and modern facilities to strengthen teaching, research, practical training and innovation.
Speaking at the special congregation to confer degrees on some 52 graduates of the Fifth Cohort of Pharmacy students, which coincided with the 10th milestone celebration of School of Pharmacy (SOP), Prof Gavua said stakeholders remained committed to realising this vision as part of a broader investment in pharmacy education and healthcare development.
He underscored that since its first graduation ceremony in 2022, UHAS has produced 200 graduates, making an important contribution to Ghana’s pharmaceutical workforce with this cohort further consolidating this achievement.
He indicated as SOP enters its second decade, focus must extend beyond training pharmacists to advancing pharmaceutical research, drug development, quality assurance, regulatory practice and local manufacturing.
“Developing Ghana’s capacity to produce safe, effective and affordable medicines is essential to improving healthcare access and strengthening national health security.”
He spurred the graduands to be innovative, embrace collaboration and remain committed to finding solutions to national healthcare challenges.
Prof Gavua emphasized, “Let the core values of UHAS’ Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Service and Care, guide your professional conduct. As ambassadors of the University, uphold its reputation through your achievements, professionalism and service to humanity. Remember that you are graduating from a School celebrating its first decade, and you have an important role in shaping its next chapter.”
He said with the continued support of Government, the Governing Council, University Management and partners, “we look forward to realising the vision of a fully-fledged School of Pharmacy that will advance education, research, innovation and pharmaceutical manufacturing in Ghana.”
Prof Lydia Aziato, Vice-Chancellor of UHAS said the graduating School of Pharmacy students, have fulfilled all the academic and professional requirements for the Award of Doctor of Pharmacy.
She said the School has introduced new postgraduate programmes: MPhil in Pharmaceutical Microbiology; PhD in Pharmaceutical Microbiology; MPhil in Pharmaceutics; PhD in Pharmaceutics, in accordance with existing programmes such as: MPhil/PhD programmes in Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacognosy.
Prof Aziato indicated that all 44 Pharmacy students passed 100 per cent in the 2025 Pharmacy Professional Council Examinations with Dr (Pharm) Raymond Ofori Acheaw becoming the overall Best Student in Ghana Pharmacy Professional Qualifying Exams (GPPQE) and the Best in Pharmacy Practice.
She said the 2025/2026 SOP enrollment stood at 597 students out of 10,934 student population from eight schools of UHAS.
The Vice-Chancellor exhorted the graduands to stay abreast with emerging trends and innovations, be curious and never cease learning, embrace teamwork, because collaboration drives excellence urging them to be guided by the ethos and values of UHAS: Excellence, Integrity, Innovation, and Service and Care. Participate in alumni association events and give back.
She said works on UHAS internal roads has resumed and moving steadily and enumerated challenges of University to include more hostels for students, more lecture facilities, and more accommodation for staff, financial clearance as well as vehicles for fieldwork and general operations.
GNA
Edited by: Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reported by: Maxwell Awumah
Email: [email protected]