FPPS ushers 339 students into Clinical Phase of the academic journey at the 9th White Coat Ceremony
The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (FPPS), KNUST, on the 21st February 2025 held its 9th White Coat Ceremony, marking the transition of the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) Class of 2026 (RX26) from preclinical studies to clinical and experiential training.
The event, held at The Great Hall, KNUST, Kumasi, was attended by university leaders, faculty members, industry professionals, healthcare stakeholders, parents, and students. It emphasised the significance of professionalism, integrity, and continuous learning in pharmacy practice.
In his welcome address, Professor Samuel Asare-Nkansah, Dean of FPPS, highlighted KNUST’s recognition as the world’s best university for quality education, according to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings in June 2023. He reaffirmed the faculty’s leadership in pharmacy education and research, underscoring the expanding role of pharmacists in today’s healthcare system. The event celebrated RX26, a total of 339 students, as the ninth cohort of PharmD students, recognising their achievements and readiness for the next phase of training in hospitals, community pharmacies, and the pharmaceutical industry.
The keynote speaker, Dr Angela Ackon, World Health Organization (WHO) Technical Officer for Quality and Safety in Ghana, delivered an address on Improving Pharmaceutical Care Outcomes Through Quality Improvement Initiatives (QII). She discussed the evolving role of pharmacists and the need for data-driven decision-making, interdisciplinary collaboration, and patient-centred care. She also emphasised the importance of proper documentation in pharmaceutical practice, stating, "If it is not documented, it did not happen." Dr Ackon highlighted key Quality Improvement Initiatives (QII) such as medication reconciliation programmes, pharmacist-led therapy management, antibiotic stewardship programmes, and patient education initiatives, all of which have been proven to enhance healthcare outcomes.
A significant part of the ceremony was the White Coat Gowning and the Recitation of the Pledge, where RX26 students made a formal commitment to ethical conduct, integrity, and professionalism as they stepped into clinical practice. The ceremony also featured an awards segment, recognising outstanding students for their academic excellence in various pharmacy disciplines. George Oduro Owusu was awarded Best Student in Pharmacology, Pharmacognosy, and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, while Delali Akusika Dotse was recognised as the Best Student in Pharmacy Practice. Yahaya Mubarik Mbeinba received the Best Student in Pharmaceutics award, as well as the Overall Highest Cumulative Weighted Average (CWA) award. Faculty members, preceptors, and sponsors were also acknowledged for their contributions to pharmacy education and student training.
The University leadership, including Professor Christian Agyare (Provost, College of Health Sciences) and Professor David Asamoah (Pro Vice-Chancellor), advised students to prioritise soft skills, leverage digital innovations in healthcare, and uphold ethical standards in their practice. The closing address by the Pro Vice-Chancellor reinforced key messages for RX26 students, encouraging them to embrace lifelong learning and uphold professionalism and integrity. He emphasised the importance of collaboration with healthcare teams to ensure optimal patient care. As students prepare to enter clinical settings, they were reminded of the responsibility of wearing the white coat and the expectations placed upon them by the university and the healthcare industry.
The ceremony concluded with a group photograph session, networking among faculty, preceptors, and students, and the collection of introductory letters for experiential training.
The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences expressed gratitude to its sponsors, including Laud K Pharmacy, Juliponia Pharmacy, The Crush Smoothies & Juice Bar, Interpharma Ltd, Big Maron Pharmacy Ltd, Oson’s Chemists, TopUp Pharmacy, Scab Pharmacy, Mech Pharmacy, and the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana. Special recognition was given to the former Minister of Health, Hon Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, and other distinguished guests.
We wish the Class of 2026 success in their clinical training and future careers!
