The accepted qualifications for the practice of Pharmacy in Ghana are a Master of Pharmacy (M. Pharm) and a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D). These Pharmacy Schools in Ghana offer short courses, certificates, diplomas, degrees, and postgraduate courses in Pharmacy.
Studying pharmacy in Ghana opens up many job opportunities including working in government hospitals, the Food and Drugs Board, the Toxicological unit of Pharmaceutical companies, the Medical Research Unit such as Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), International agencies such as WHO, UN, UNESCO, International institutions such as universities, the diploma diploma-training colleges and the Forensic Laboratory of the police or criminal investigation departments, veterinary laboratories, industrial laboratories, etc.
Pharmacy education in Ghana has grown significantly over the years, producing skilled professionals who contribute to healthcare, research, and the pharmaceutical industry. With the increasing demand for qualified pharmacists, choosing the right pharmacy school is crucial for aspiring students. Ghana is home to several institutions offering top-notch pharmacy programs, each distinguished by its academic rigor, research opportunities, and commitment to excellence.
This article explores the best pharmacy schools in Ghana, highlighting their unique features, programs, and facilities. Whether you’re looking for innovative teaching methods, state-of-the-art facilities, or a strong focus on practical training, this guide will help you make an informed choice for your pharmacy education.
Here are the best Pharmacy Schools in Ghana:
- University of Ghana – Legon
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
- University for Development Studies
- University of Cape Coast
- University of Health and Allied Sciences
- Central University
- KAAF University College
- Entrance University College of Health
- Ghana College of Pharmacists
- Kings and Queens Medical University College
10. Kings and Queens Medical University College
The Kings and Queens Medical University College was established in 2016. The school is located in Kpong on the Accra- Akosombo.
Kings and Queens Medical University College’s Faculty of Pharmacy comprises Undergraduate and Non-Degree Programmes: Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D), Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm), Diploma in Pharmacy Technologist, and Certificate in Dispensary Assistant.
To read any of these courses, WASSCE/SSSCE Holders must have credits (A1-C6/ A-D Respectively) in the following Three (3) Core Subjects; English Language, Mathematics, and Integrated Science plus credits (A1-C6) in Three Electives; Biology, Chemistry and Physics or Mathematics. Mature students must have attained age 25 years or above at the time of application and have credits in Five (5) GCE ‘O Level subjects including English Language and Mathematics, in addition to passing an Entrance Examination and /or Interview.
The Kings & Queens Medical University College has a modern state-of-the-art library system that enhances extensive research. The computerized library system in KQMUC makes reading and research work accessible and more enjoyable.
CONTACT
Email: info@kqmuc.edu.gh / registrar@kqmuc.edu.gh
For Info or Inquiries: +233(0)501602091
9. Ghana College of Pharmacists
The Ghana College of Pharmacists (GCPharm) was established in 2011 to train practicing pharmacists to become Specialists and Consultants in various areas of professional pharmacy practice. The core mandate of the College is to promote specialist training in pharmacy, continuous professional development in pharmacy, and research in pharmaceutical practice and related disciplines.
The Clinical Pharmacy faculty focuses on training practitioners who are mostly engaged in providing pharmaceutical care to patients in the community or healthcare institutions by applying clinical pharmacy skills. The faculty offers two programmes: Part 1 and Part II
Part I of the program involves the residential attachment of practicing pharmacists to accredited hospitals for 2 years. The residents acquire practical knowledge and skills in providing pharmaceutical care.
Part II component of the fellowship program supports the development of Specialty Practice. Students are expected to select areas of interest and be attached to accredited tertiary healthcare institutions where they can benefit from multidisciplinary specialty practice to acquire advanced experience, skills, and knowledge in specific areas of medical and pharmacy practice.
To apply, you need to be a candidate who is a registered pharmacist with at least 2 to 3 years of working experience after completing university. You must be in good standing with the PSGH and are capable of completing a year’s program in the primaries.
In addition to the Faculty of Clinical Pharmacy, the College has five other faculties: Faculty of Community and Family Health Pharmacy, Faculty of Drug & Herbal Medicine Discovery, Development and Production, Faculty of Quality Assurance, Faculty of Social & Administrative Pharmacy, and the Faculty of Public Health Pharmacy. Each faculty offers specialized courses.
CONTACT
(+233) 0302246705 / 030397737
info@gcpharm.edu.gh / gcpharm2@gmail.com
8. Entrance University College of Health
Entrance University College of Health Sciences is the first private University College to offer the Doctor of Pharmacy degree in the West African sub-region. It is located at Spintex in Accra.
The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) programme is designed to provide students with the requisite skills and competencies to enable them to provide effective pharmaceutical care. Students are given hands-on Pharmaceutical Manufacturing practice at the Entrance Pharmaceutical & Research Centre. They also have the opportunity to have their clinicals at the Entrance University Hospital.
The campus offers spacious and comfortable lecture halls, a well-furnished computer laboratory, and a modern, well-stocked library. Students benefit from a hostel facility conveniently located a few meters from the campus, along with a shuttle service for easy transportation to and from lectures. Additionally, the laboratories are fully equipped to meet all practical needs, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.
To gain admission, SSSCE/WASSCE students must have credit passes (at least C6) in three core subjects namely English Mathematics & Integrated Science, and in three elective subjects namely: Biology, Chemistry & either Physics or Elective Mathematics. International students can apply with an International Baccalaureate (IB), International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), General Certificate of Secondary Education Advances Level (GCE A-Level), or their equivalent qualifications.
CONTACT
info@entrance.edu.gh
+233-50-908-6631 | +233-50-908-6651
7. KAAF University College
KAAF University College offers a PharmD programme to equip students with the scientific knowledge and skills to manage the pharmaceutical care problems of the communities in Ghana.
Its uniqueness lies in the use of Community-Based Education and Service (COBES) to integrate the students into the deprived communities where they will live with them, learn about their pharmaceutical problems, and help solve such problems in the future by accepting postings to such communities when they finally complete the programme.
The PharmD Programme aims to train patient-oriented pharmacists to align with current trends and national pharmaceutical care.
The objectives of the PharmD programme are to; expose students to areas relevant to current trends in pharmacy, teach students in core scientific and academic disciplines for the practice of pharmacy in specialized areas such as clinical, industrial, and regulatory aspects of pharmacy practice, and train students to accurately and confidently communicate pharmacotherapeutic information to other health care professionals, patients, their relatives, and caregivers under the guidance of experienced preceptors.
To gain admission, WASSCE/SSSCE students must have three credit passes in English Language, Core Mathematics, and Integrated Science, PLUS credit passes in two elective courses including Chemistry and Biology, and any one of Physics or Elective Mathematics.
International Students must have GCE (Cambridge)- ‘A’ levels, IGCSE (Cambridge)- ‘A’ Levels, International Baccalaureate (IB), American High School Grade-Grade 12 and 13 examinations, or any other external qualifications, which have equivalences to the SSSCE/WASSCE as determined by the National Accreditation Board.
CONTACT
+233 20112 1353 / +233 20020 3959
admission@kaafuni.edu.gh / info@kaafuni.edu.gh / registry@kaafuni.edu.gh
6. Central University School of Pharmacy
Established in 2008 on the Miotso Campus, the Central University’s School of Pharmacy has a strong commitment to excellence in education and research, attracting exceptional faculty and offering top-tier professional programs. Initially offering a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm), the program was upgraded to the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) in the 2018/19 academic year.
The school’s mission is to achieve excellence through innovative education and cutting-edge research, producing graduates who excel as pharmacists and scientists, improving human health, and advancing research. Its vision is to train ethical, exceptional, and transformational professionals equipped with the skills to deliver high-quality pharmaceutical care.
The School has two departments: the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Department of Pharmacy Practice.
CONTACT
Admission+2330307020540
Email:academicdirector@central.edu.gh
5. UHAS School of Pharmacy
The University of Health and Allied Sciences was established in 2011 with the main campus, including the central administration, at Sokode-Lokoe in the Ho Municipality. Its second campus is located in Hohoe.
UHAS is the first public university to be established in the Volta Region of Ghana and is, so far, the only state university wholly dedicated to the training of healthcare professionals in Ghana. The university seeks to provide higher education in the Health Sciences through teaching and research for persons suitably qualified and capable of benefitting from such education.
Its graduate school offers a Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Pharmacognosy, and Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
CONTACT
+233 (0) 362 196122 / +233 (0) 245 125359
info@uhas.edu.gh
4. UCC School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
The School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences (SoPPS) was newly established in 2018 and is one of four (4) Schools in the College of Health and Allied Sciences (CoHAS). The School was established in August 2018 to train students to obtain a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (PharmD) to expand the healthcare delivery team of professionals.
It is an undergraduate professional (first degree) programme. The school has admitted its third batch of students into the PharmD programme. The school has five (5) Departments: Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacognosy & Herbal Medicine, Pharmacotherapeutics & Pharmacy Practice.
The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) is a six-year entry-level professional degree program. The curriculum is designed to prepare future practitioners to provide patient-oriented pharmaceutical care in contemporary settings including community pharmacy practice, hospital environments, industrial pharmacy practice, manufacturing pharmaceutical companies, academia, regulatory agencies, research, and long-term care facilities.
UCC School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences boasts high-caliber and committed teaching staff, a conducive classroom and laboratory environment, and highly effective teaching and learning methods. Its practice-oriented, student-centered curriculum provides a well-balanced mix of theoretical, practical, and experiential learning experiences.
The University of Cape Coast School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (UCC-SoPPS) employs innovative teaching and learning methodologies, including Problem-Based Learning (PBL), Community-Based Experiential Practice (COBES), Industry-Based Experiential Practice (INBEP), and Community-Based Pharmacy Experience (COBPE). The goal of the School is to facilitate the training of students to acquire clinical, industrial, and community-based experience in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences.
CONTACT
sopps@ucc.edu.gh.
3. UDS School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
The school has five departments: the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, the Department of Pharmaceutics and Microbiology, the Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicine, the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and the Department of Pharmacy Practice.
The university offers a Doctor of Pharmacy programme at the undergraduate level.
CONTACT
Email: registrar@uds.edu.gh
Telephone: +233-37-209-3697
2. KNUST Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
For over 60 years, the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (FPPS) has led the training of pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, and herbal medical practitioners in Ghana and West Africa. It is recognized for its innovation in clinical practice and research, producing graduates who hold prominent positions in the pharmaceutical sector. Notably, 80% of the faculty in all six Schools of Pharmacy in Ghana are FPPS alumni.
The FPPS offers flagship programs such as a 4-year BSc in Herbal Medicine, a 6-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), and a unique 2-year PharmD top-up program for practicing pharmacists, the first of its kind in West Africa. Additionally, its five departments provide advanced degrees including MSc, MPhil, and PhD in various pharmacy disciplines.
The Faculty prides itself on a respectful and inclusive learning environment, equipped with modern classrooms, research facilities, and exceptional student support services. It attracts a growing international student population, solidifying its status as the premier and most prestigious pharmacy school in Ghana and the West African sub-region.
The faculty’s Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) Programme is a six-year degree Programme that replaces the four-year B. Pharm programme. It is a professional degree, not a graduate degree.
CONTACT
Deans Office: +233 -322 -60359 Fax: +233 -322-60684
Pharmaceutics: +233-322-60374
Pharmaceutical Chemistry: +233 -322-60367
Pharmacology: +233 -322-60372
Pharmacognosy: +233-322-60366
Clinical & Social Pharmacy: +233-322-63612
Herbal Medicine: +233-322-60366
Faculty email address: dean.pharm@knust.edu.gh
- University of Ghana School of Pharmacy
The University of Ghana School of Pharmacy (UGSOP) was established in 2007 as a constituent of the College of Health Sciences. The school was accredited by both the National Accreditation Board and the Pharmacy Council to offer courses that lead to the award of the Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree. The five academic departments of the School are:
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Microbiology
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicine
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Pharmacy
The School of Pharmacy is equipped with specialized laboratories for General Pharmaceutics, Microbiology, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, as well as Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicine to support students’ practical courses. Additionally, the school has a laboratory dedicated to Faculty Research.
The school has established partnerships with Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, 37 Military Hospital, and the Police Hospital, among others, to provide clinical rotation opportunities for students. It also collaborates with several community pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies, offering their facilities for training students in community and industrial pharmacy.
The School of Pharmacy has collaborations with local and international institutions such as the Ghana Atomic Energy, the Food and Drugs Authority, the Geological Survey Department, the School of Pharmacy, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi. Howard University School of Pharmacy, Washington, USA among others.
The school offers a four-year Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) degree programme. To gain admission into the programme, WASSCE students must have passes (grade C6) in three subjects, Core subjects namely, English, Mathematics, and Integrated Science, and passes (grade C6) in three Elective Subjects, namely Biology, Chemistry, and either Physics or Mathematics. Additionally, candidates shall be required to pass core Social Studies at least at Grade E.
Foreign students can apply with an International Baccalaureate (IB), International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), General Certificate of Education (GCE), and the American Grades 12 and 13 examinations. Other external qualifications, which have equivalencies to the West African Senior Secondary School Certificate of Education (WASSCE) and the General Certificate of Education (GCE) may also be accepted.
CONTACT
Phone: +233-307003506
Email: ugsop@ug.edu.gh
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