Since the Antwi-Eduah-led administration hit the ground running, they have been preaching a single mantra: “Expanding Horizons.” So, it was hardly a bolt from the blue when GPSA-KNUST spread its wings and embarked on a student exchange visit and educational trip to Johannesburg, South Africa, from October 2nd to 7th, 2024—an adventure they aptly named The Jozi Journ.
The six-person delegation, representing each year group from Rx25 to Rx29, spent five vibrant days immersing themselves in the cultural and professional landscape of South Africa. Their mission? To exchange knowledge and experiences at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and explore the prestigious Dr. George Mukhari Hospital—the second-largest hospital on the African continent.
“This trip met our expectations—and even went beyond what we had in mind,” said the former President of GPSA-KNUST, Samuel Kofi Amoah Antwi, with evident pride in a post-trip interview. The trip not only gave participants a clearer picture of pharmacy education in South Africa but also shed light on a broader reality as expressed in the words of Nazareth, one of the Jozi Journeyers: “There’s more work to be done to improve the practice of pharmacy in Ghana as it appears that South Africa has better systems in place. Nonetheless, I noticed certain similar shortcomings across the pharmacy practice in Africa. This highlights the need for a continental collaboration to address these issues as a unified front.”
The group’s itinerary was a careful balance of education, networking, and leisure. They spent a whole day touring Johannesburg and Soweto, soaking up the rich history and local culture. A shopping spree the day before their return added a playful touch to an otherwise enriching experience. From learning about anti-apartheid struggles to exploring South Africa’s diverse culinary landscape, the trip opened minds and expanded perspectives. According to the former President, one memorable moment was realizing that locals could seamlessly switch between three languages—Zulu, Tswana, and Afrikaans—within a single conversation.
Beyond the fun and exploration, the trip laid a strong foundation for future collaborations between GPSA-KNUST and their South African counterparts. The visit cultivated warm connections with faculty at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, with their Head of Department, Prof. Elmien Bronkhorst and some lecturers even promising to visit Ghana to learn about pharmacy practice at KNUST.
With a firm handshake of partnership already extended, The Jozi Journ isn’t just a one-off experience but goes the extra mile to set the stage for future engagements as well as highlight the immense potential of international exchange programs. GPSA-KNUST’s journey to Johannesburg is a manifestation of the power of curiosity, collaboration, and mutual respect—values that will undoubtedly shape the next steps in our academic and professional journeys.
Reported by:
Benoni Odame Larbi (Rx 26)