The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SoPPS) has recognized thirty outstanding students at the Prof. David Darko Obiri 2025 Dean's Award Ceremony for their exceptional academic achievements during the 2023/24 academic year.

Held annually, the Dean's Award celebrates students from Levels 200 to 600 who achieve a CGPA of 3.6 and above. The award is named in honor of Prof. David Darko Obiri, the first Dean of SoPPS, whose legacy and contributions were instrumental in the School’s establishment in 2018. Prof. Obiri, who passed away in 2020, was dedicated to academic excellence and the advancement of pharmaceutical education.

This year’s awards recognized students in the following categories:

• Overall Best Student
• Best Student
• Most Improved Student

Upholding Truth and Excellence in Pharmacy

Senior Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH), Fellow Sarah Honny, was the Guest Speaker for the event. She encouraged students to take pride in their profession, approach the future with confidence, and never lose sight of their impact on individuals and communities.

She emphasized the importance of truthfulness and ethical integrity, urging students to uphold their professional values.

"You have been trained to promote life and health—stand for what is right. Be courageous, speak the truth, and remain firm in your convictions. Unlike the medications you handle, truth has no substitute," she stressed.

Mrs. Honny also advised students to stay committed and responsible, continuously upgrading their skills to meet the evolving demands of the pharmacy profession. She noted that the role of pharmacists is expanding, making it crucial to uphold ethical standards in safeguarding patient well-being and societal health.

She further encouraged students to embrace technology and innovation to advance healthcare solutions, stating:

"Today's awardees are among the brightest, not just in this university, but across the nation and possibly this generation. Some of you may make groundbreaking discoveries, but you will need both ethics and courage to bring them to light. Accept that pain comes before gain, and never compromise on your principles."

Celebrating Academic Excellence

Prof. Elvis Ofori Ameyaw, Dean of SoPPS, commended the awardees for their outstanding performance and urged them to maintain their dedication to academic excellence. He also encouraged students who did not make the list to work harder in the coming year.

Prof. Ameyaw, who chaired the ceremony, paid tribute to Prof. David Darko Obiri for championing the recognition of student-pharmacists through the Dean’s Award initiative.

Representing the awardees, Level 500 student, Gifty Naa Ashaadey Ashley, expressed gratitude to the School and pledged continued dedication to academic excellence.

deserving students were presented with certificates in recognition of their achievements.