The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SoPPS) has held its 2nd White Coat ceremony to mark the transition of 99 Pharmacy students into the clinical stage of their training. 

The White Coat ceremony is an integral part of Pharmacy education, emphasising the significance of the coat as the professional identity of Pharmacists and establishing defined expectations and responsibilities for students while still in training.

The dignitaries with the students

Speaking at the ceremony, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto, noted that the White Coat signifies the commitment of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) to the Pharmacy profession and the wellbeing of patients. 

To this end, Prof. Aheto announced that UCC has accepted to host the 2025 Annual General Meeting for the Pharmacy fraternity in Ghana which brings together about 5,000 participants.

The Pro Vice-Chancellor praised SoPPS for its recent acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment funded by grants, which will enhance the training of skilled Pharmacists.

Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto delivering an address

To the students, he advised them to be confident and take their studies seriously to make us proud and contribute meaningfully to society, Pharmacy profession and families.

“As you continue your journey, we look forward to witnessing your growth into compassionate and skilled Pharmacists” he inspired them. 

The keynote speaker, Pharm. Dr, Isaac Adupong pointed out that the White Coat was not just a fabric but a mantle of secret trust. 

He cautioned the student Pharmacists not to take the White Coat for granted as they pursue their professional goals.

Pharm. Dr, Isaac Adupong delivering the keynote address

“First the White Coat is a leadership coat and you should note that the Pharmacy degree is one of the versatile passports to enter any area of work and also the challenges you face in your training and in this profession are your competitive advantage,” he challenged them.

Dr.  Adupong who is the Managing Partner of Blazing Impact Consult outlined the vast opportunities available within the Pharmacy profession, urging students to explore fields beyond traditional hospital settings. 

“Your knowledge must translate into value,” he concluded, encouraging them to broaden their horizons in their future careers.

The Provost of the College of Health and Allied Sciences, Prof. Martins Ekor, said the College was well positioned to contribute significantly towards producing quality human resources to improve the health sector.

Provost of College of Health and Allied Sciences, Prof. Martins Ekor, speaking at the programme

Prof Ekor noted that plans were far advanced for SoPPS to introduce cutting-edge postgraduate programmes to enhance the School’s global recognition. 

He commended the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong for the pivotal role he played in the establishment of SoPPS.

Dean of SoPPS, Prof. Elvis Ofori Ameyaw, speaking at the ceremony

In an address, the Dean of SoPPS, Prof. Elvis Ofori Ameyaw, reminded the students of  the responsibility they carry as Pharmacists and urged them to embrace the values of compassion, ethics and professionalism in their practice.