The Head of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Professor Isaac Ayensu, has raised concerns over the increasing practice of self-medication and drug abuse in Ghana, warning that it poses serious risks to public health.
Speaking ahead of the faculty’s 65th anniversary celebration, Prof. Ayensu urged the public to seek professional medical advice before taking medications, stressing that the misuse of drugs could have long-term consequences on the country’s health outcomes.
“Every drug that you take is a potential poison. Drugs must be rationalised and should target specific conditions that people are suffering from. A lot of people take medication because they believe they understand their conditions, but it is important that we visit the pharmacy and seek medical advice when we are unwell,” he cautioned.
He explained that while pharmacists play an important role in guiding patients on the appropriate use of medicines, individuals must avoid self-diagnosis and ensure they receive proper prescriptions and medical guidance before taking any medication.
Prof. Ayensu warned that continued misuse of drugs could negatively affect the future wellbeing of the country if urgent steps are not taken to address the situation.
He also highlighted challenges confronting the faculty, particularly inadequate laboratory infrastructure, which he said is affecting the practical training of pharmacy students.
According to him, the increasing number of students admitted annually has outgrown the available facilities required for hands-on training.
“At the moment, what really is the issue is that the growing number of students admitted each year would need a certain calibre of training which goes beyond the ordinary classroom. That means they have to be accommodated within laboratories that are able to take a large number of students at a time,” he stated.
He noted that the current laboratory facilities cannot accommodate the growing student population, forcing the faculty to ration practical sessions.
“If we can have a laboratory which is big enough to accommodate more than 50 or 100 students at a time, it will be a wonderful exposure where they are able to gain a lot of experience that they need,” he added.
The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the pioneer pharmacy school in Ghana, is commemorating its 65th anniversary through activities organised by the Ghana Pharmaceutical Students’ Association (GPSA)-KNUST.
The grand durbar served as the official opening ceremony of the celebration week, which is being held under the theme: “65 Years of Leadership: Consolidating Gains, Inspiring Generations.”
President of GPSA-KNUST, Albert Kobina Yalley, said the increasing student population continues to put pressure on the association’s resources and operations.
“The growing membership of GPSA-KNUST continues to increase the needs of student pharmacists, thereby stretching our available resources and expertise in implementing impactful programmes for students,” he stated.
Despite the challenges, Mr Yalley expressed optimism about the future, saying: “Our vision is that within the next five years, GPSA-KNUST students will be recognised as leaders, pioneers and pillars of Ghana’s pharmaceutical industry.”
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