The White Coat Ceremony of the School of Pharmacy, University of Ghana, Legon, was successfully held on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the academic journey of the pharmacy students, symbolizing their transition into clinical training.
In her opening remarks, the Dean of the School of Pharmacy, Professor Irene M. A. Kretchy emphasized the importance of discipline, commitment, and excellence in the training of future pharmacists. She also extended a warm welcome to all stakeholders to be a part of the School’s 20th anniversary celebrations to be launched later this year and will be climaxed in November 2027.
Professor Irene M. A. Kretchy
Professor Felix Ankomah Asante, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development, who represented the Vice-Chancellor highlighted the role of academic rigor and innovation in shaping competent healthcare professionals. His address underscored the University’s commitment to producing graduates who are both knowledgeable and ethically grounded.
Professor Felix Ankomah Asante
The Guest of Honour, Hon. John Setor Dumelo, Member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency and Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, delivered an inspiring address, emphasizing the need for dedication and purpose in the pharmacy profession. He highlighted the growing demand for pharmacists within a developing 24-hour economy and encouraged students to position themselves as competent professionals capable of contributing meaningfully to healthcare delivery and national development.
Hon. John Setor Dumelo
Dr. Paul Owusu Donkor
The keynote address by Dr. Richard Kwadwo Odor, CEO of Top-Up Pharmacy emphasized that pharmacists often serve as the first point of contact within the healthcare system and the act of wearing the white coat goes beyond symbolism; it represents a covenant between the pharmacist and the patient, built on trust, responsibility, and ethical obligation. Students were encouraged to embrace the profession wholeheartedly, with the assurance that pharmacy is both a rewarding and impactful field when practiced with dedication.
Chief Executive Officer of Top Up Pharmacy, Dr. Richard Kwadwo Odor
The highlight of the ceremony, the presentation of white coats, followed shortly after. Special remarks were also delivered by Pharm Rev. Dennis Sena Awitty, Executive Secretary of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, who encouraged the students to uphold the standards and values of the profession. Student representatives from the Class of 2027 also shared brief reflections, expressing gratitude and anticipation as they embarked on this new phase of their training.
Pharm Rev. Dennis Sena Awitty
Awards were presented to Unicom Chemist Limited and Pharmatrust Limited, in recognition of their continued support to the School of Pharmacy, highlighting the importance of industry partnerships in pharmacy education.
The event was further enriched by performances from the Ghana Dance Ensemble and Dr. Alfred Patrick Addaquay from the Department of Music, which added a lively and engaging dimension to the ceremony.
Overall, the White Coat Ceremony 2026 was a well-organized and impactful event that reinforced the principles of professionalism, ethical responsibility, and patient-centered care, while inspiring students to approach their future roles with dedication and integrity.
The event was sponsored by Top-Up Pharmacy, M&G Pharmaceuticals, Senes Pharmacy, Sterida Pharmacy and Unicom Chemists.
The event brought together distinguished members of the University community, faculty, pharmacists, parents, and students to witness and celebrate this important occasion. Click here for more pictures