The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has marked the 10th anniversary of its School of Pharmacy with a Special Congregation and awards ceremony, celebrating a decade of achievements in pharmacy education, research and pharmaceutical development.
The event was held at the Cedi Auditorium on the University's main campus on Thursday, November 5, 2026 under the theme “A Decade of Excellence: Advancing Pharmacy Education, Research and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing.” It brought together university leaders, industry stakeholders, alumni, students and guests.
The Chairman of UHAS Governing Council, Professor Kodzo Gavua, commended the School's remarkable growth since its establishment in 2016, noting that it has produced more than 200 graduates since its first graduation in 2022. He affirmed the University's commitment to strengthening pharmacy education through enhanced facilities, laboratories and research infrastructure.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Lydia Aziato, highlighted key milestones, including a student population of 597 in the 2025/2026 academic year and a 100 per cent pass rate in the 2025 Ghana Pharmacy Professional Qualifying Examinations (GPPQE). She also announced that Dr. (Pharm.) Raymond Ofori Acheaw emerged as the overall best candidate in the 2025 national GPPQE. The School currently offers four postgraduate programmes and has expanded its international collaborations and research portfolio. A total of 52 graduands received degrees during the special congregation.
The Dean of the School, Professor Cornelius Cecil Nii Otoo Dodoo, reflected on the institution's decade-long journey, highlighting advances in academic programmes, experiential learning, research and community engagement. He called for increased investment in research to drive pharmaceutical innovation and improve healthcare outcomes.
Delivering the anniversary lecture, former Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana President, Pharm. Benjamin Botwe, urged stronger collaboration between academia and industry. He advocated greater investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing, research commercialization and the local production of essential medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients, while encouraging graduates to pursue opportunities in industrial pharmacy, regulatory science, quality assurance and biomanufacturing.
As part of the celebration, five distinguished academics, Professors Theophilus Christian Fleischer, Clement Adeleke Adebajo, Kwame Ohene Buabeng, Nathaniel Okai and Eric Woode, were honoured for their contributions to the establishment and growth of the School.
Outstanding students were also recognized for academic excellence, with Level 200 student Patrick Damoah receiving a laptop. Other awardees included Derrick Elorm Yaw Hayor, Jennifer Anali Apingu, Princess Acquah Nhyira and Kwabena Appiah.
A special recognition award was presented to Dr. Pharm. Emmanuel Mawuli Abadzivor for his traditional bone-setting expertise and humanitarian service, particularly his support for a UHAS staff member injured in an accident.
The anniversary celebrations concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing pharmacy education, research, innovation and pharmaceutical manufacturing, while honouring the contributions of the School's founders, faculty, students and partners over the past decade.