KNUST Celebrates 9th White Coat Ceremony for PharmD Class of 2026.
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. The ceremony, which took place on February 21st, 2025, marked a significant milestone in the academic journey of 339 PharmD students from the Class of 2026.
The White Coat Ceremony signifies the transition of students from theoretical classroom learning to practical, hands-on clinical training. This pivotal step in their journey towards becoming licensed pharmacists was celebrated with great enthusiasm and pride.
Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prof. Samuel Asare-Nkansah, thanked stakeholders for their immense support in student training. He 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,” Prof. Asare-Nkansah said. “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.”
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. David Asamoah, delivered a message on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, congratulating the students on their achievement. “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,” he 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 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,” he said.
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.
The event was held under the theme: “Enhancing Pharmaceutical Care Outcomes Using Quality Improvement Initiatives.” Various prizes were presented to deserving students, with Yahaya Mubarik Mbeinba emerging as the overall best student.
The 9th White Coat Ceremony marked a significant milestone in the academic journey of the PharmD Class of 2026. As they embark on their clinical training, they are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to excel in their future careers as pharmacists.