On 19th December 2025, pride and celebration filled the University of Cape Coast as the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SoPPS) marked a historic moment during the 7th Session of the University’s 58th Congregation; ‘the graduation of its first Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) cohort’.

For SoPPS-UCC, the moment was deeply symbolic. Established in 2018, the School welcomed its pioneer PharmD students in 2019, embarking on a bold journey to train practice-ready pharmacists for Ghana’s healthcare system. Six years later, that vision came to life as the pioneer class proudly crossed the graduation stage.

As applause echoed through the hall, the presentation of nineteen awards brought individual stories of excellence into the spotlight.

Leading the celebration was Dr.(Pharm). Marian Sapara Arthur, who emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student, receiving the prestigious Prof. David Darko Obiri’s Award. Her exceptional performance also earned her multiple sponsored prizes under five award categories, including Best Graduating Female Student, supported through the Founding Faculty Officer Award and the Mrs. Elizabeth Obese Award, as well as top honours in Prof. Elvis Ofori Ameyaw Award in Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, and Pharmacotherapeutics, the latter recognised through the Charles Cosmos Kobina Nketsiah Award. Together, these recognitions reflected remarkable consistency, discipline, and professional excellence.

Standing alongside her was Dr.(Pharm). Prince Ofori, whose academic versatility and depth earned him six prizes across five award categories. He was recognised as Best Graduating Male Student, supported by both the School and the Kofi Essuman Award, and also received the Prof. Martins Ekor Award for Best Preclinical Student, in addition to best student honours in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, and Pharmacognosy.

Innovation and forward thinking were celebrated through Dr.(Pharm). Desmond Pae Adu-Broni, recipient of the Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Excellence in practice-focused fields was recognised through Dr.(Pharm). Fredrick Boateng (Best Student in Community Pharmacy), Dr.(Pharm). Godfred Boateng (Best Student in Industrial Pharmacy), and Dr.(Pharm). Akosua Marfo, (Best Student in Regulatory Pharmacy).

The professional values at the heart of pharmacy practice were honoured through awards to Dr.(Pharm). Ellen Amankwah for Professionalism and Ethics, Dr.(Pharm). Festus Appiah for Leadership, and Dr.(Pharm). Ydelina Narkotey, recipient of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (Central Region) Community Service Award. Commitment to growth and perseverance was recognised in Dr.(Pharm). Enyonam Ametor Dogbatse, recipient of the Outstanding Improvement Award, while excellence in experiential clinical training was highlighted through Dr.(Pharm). Andrew Boegyam Simpson, awarded for Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience.

Each name represented not just an award, but a personal story of effort, sacrifice, and achievements.

This milestone was made possible by a strong support system; dedicated faculty mentors, supportive families, generous sponsors, pharmacy institutions, and professional bodies such as the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana. Together, they helped nurture talent and celebrate excellence.

As these newly qualified Doctor of Pharmacy step into hospitals, communities, industry, regulation, research, and public service, they carry with them the values, skills, and identity of SoPPS-UCC.

They are pioneers.
They made history at the 58th Congregation.
And their story will forever define where it all began.