Dr. Benjamin Botwe, a distinguished medicines regulatory expert and consultant, has proposed the adoption of dynamic, industry-focused frameworks to transform the School of Pharmacy (SOP) of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS). The proposed frameworks aim to strengthen industry-oriented pharmaceutical education and equip graduates with the requisite skills to respond to emerging developments in the pharmaceutical sector. This proposal was made during a special congregation to confer degrees on about 52 graduates of the fifth cohort of pharmacy students, which coincided with the school's 10th anniversary celebration.
The proposed curriculum transformation blueprint for the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programme would allow students to pursue specialised pathways in Industrial Pharmacy and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Synthesis, Regulatory Science and Pharmacovigilance, or Biomanufacturing and Vaccine Technology. Dr. Botwe suggested a five-year timeline for the full implementation of the programme. He also outlined four key pillars each for curriculum review and institutional advancement to achieve the proposed transformation. These pillars focus on re-engineering core coursework, introducing practical, hands-on training, and shifting towards case-based and problem-based learning.
On curriculum review, Dr. Botwe called for the re-engineering of core coursework to replace generic chemistry modules with practical, hands-on training in process validation, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Quality by Design (QbD) principles. He advocated a shift towards case-based and problem-based learning (PBL), replacing traditional rote-learning examinations with assessments modelled on actual challenges confronting local pharmaceutical industries and clinical practice. For instance, students could be tasked with reformulating a locally manufactured amoxicillin suspension that failed stability testing under Ghana's high-humidity climatic conditions.
Dr. Botwe also proposed the institutionalisation of structured industrial and regulatory clerkships through partnerships with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Pharmacy Council, bioequivalence centres, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Ghana (PMAG), and specialised bioprocessing hubs. This would provide students with practical industry exposure. Additionally, he recommended introducing an agile Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) co-curriculum, incorporating standard modules in Pharmaceutical Informatics and Data Analytics into research methodology coursework.
On institutional capacity and advancement, Dr. Botwe proposed establishing an Industrial API and Phytomedicine pilot plant to isolate and standardise active compounds from local medicinal plants. He suggested that UHAS could use its multipurpose laboratories to establish the facility as a technology transfer centre, where pharmacy students would gain hands-on experience in scaling up laboratory formulations into industrial-grade batches. This initiative could contribute to reducing Ghana's dependence on imported pharmaceutical raw materials.
Dr. Botwe further proposed establishing an Open-Access National Biorepository and a Technology Transfer Office (TTO) to catalogue undergraduate and postgraduate research according to its potential industrial applications. The platform could facilitate the licensing and co-funding of research undertaken by UHAS students, translating academic findings into commercially viable innovations. He also advocated expanding specialised postgraduate training in Regulatory Science and Biomanufacturing, building on the University's newly established postgraduate frameworks.
Prof. Lydia Aziato, Vice-Chancellor of UHAS, congratulated the School of Pharmacy on its phenomenal ten years and commended Dr. Botwe for his insightful presentation. She urged the graduating class to stay abreast with emerging trends and innovations, be curious, and never cease learning. The Vice-Chancellor also exhorted them to be guided by the ethos and values of UHAS: Excellence, Integrity, Innovation, and Service and Care, and participate in alumni association events and give back.
Key points
- Dr. Benjamin Botwe proposes industry-focused frameworks to transform UHAS School of Pharmacy.
- The proposed frameworks aim to equip graduates with skills to respond to emerging developments in the pharmaceutical sector.
- Dr. Botwe suggests a five-year timeline for the full implementation of the programme.
