On July 21, 2023, the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Ghana held its 2022/2023 Swearing-In and White Coat ceremonies.
The event took place in the Seminar Room of the Balme Library with the theme, "One Health; Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness
in the Veterinary Profession."
The White Coat Ceremony is traditionally organized to mark the transition of fourth-year students into their Clinical years, symbolizing their
entry into practical veterinary education. On the other hand, the Swearing-In ceremony is designed for the graduating class, formally
inducting them into the professional veterinary body.
Dr. Hope Richard Otsyina, the Acting Dean of the school, delivered a concise welcome address and introduced the chairperson for the
ceremony. Dr. Helena N. B. Acquah, a highly experienced female veterinarian with extensive years of service in the field, chaired the
program. Delivering her address, Dr. Acquah offered valuable advice to the students, emphasizing the importance of diligence in their
future veterinary practice.
To set the tone for the first part of the ceremony, Dr. Hope Richard Otsyina expressed appreciation for the generous contribution of 55
stethoscopes by Dr. Andy Quarcopoome. This donation is intended to benefit the upcoming three batches of White Coaters within the school.
Dr. Otsyina encouraged both alumni and friends of the school to follow the commendable example set by Dr. Quarcopoome and his family.
The Ag.Dean introduced the white coat recipients to all present and then invited Dr. Andy Quarcopoome to clothe each student with a
white coat, an emblem of their commitment to medical professionalism. Additionally, each student was provided with a stethoscope, a tool
to aid in their clinical education. Following this, the students collectively recited the veterinary oath, which was officiated by Dr. Hope Richard
Otsyina.
Outstanding students who had demonstrated excellence throughout their academic journey (from level 100-300) were honoured with
awards and citations. Notably, Mr. Gabriel Nii Attoh Armah, a fourth-year student, garnered eight awards in recognition of his exceptional
achievements and was rightfully acknowledged as the top-performing student overall. In representing his peers, he conveyed their
collective gratitude and commitment to uphold the core values of their chosen profession.
The second part of the ceremony centered on the official induction of the freshly graduated doctors from the 2022/2023 academic year
into the veterinary profession following six years of rigorous training. The Ag.Dean took the opportunity to introduce these newly minted
veterinarians to the audience and representatives of the Veterinary Council of Ghana. The chairperson of the Veterinary Council, Dr. Jonathan
Amakye-Anim presided over the swearing-in ceremony and administered the oath to the new doctors. Speaking on behalf of the recently
graduated doctors, Dr. Kingsley Kwabena Amoako conveyed their sincere appreciation to all the stakeholders who had offered their support.
He made a resolute commitment to actively participate in upholding the esteemed reputation and reverence of the veterinary profession.
The proceedings ended with the newly minted veterinarians formally appending their signatures on the register of the Veterinary Council
of Ghana.
The Chairperson, Dr. Helena Acquah then offered her final remarks, drawing the event to a close. The significance of the ceremony,
symbolized a pivotal milestone for both the students and the recently inducted veterinarians as they embarked on their journey within the
realm of Veterinary Medicine.
The ceremony was attended by Dr. Kingsley Aryee, Registrar, Ghana Veterinary Council, Dr. Sherry Johnson, Senior Lecturer, SVM, Dr.Richard
Dery Suu-Ire, Senior Lecturer, SVM, Mrs. Susana Otu-Amoah Ofori, the School Administrator, staff of the school, students, and families
of the students.
A cross-section of participants at the ceremony
Click here to view pictures of the ceremony.