The Chairman of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Hon. Seth Terkper, has paid glowing tribute to the pioneers of the University for their instrumental role in bringing it to its current state. He assured the University Management that the Governing Council is committed to diligently focusing on a critical imperative: ensuring UESD is robustly and sustainably resourced to fulfill its vision.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by Prof. Paul Dela Ahiatrogah, the Acting Chairman of the Council, at the launch of the University’s 5th Anniversary celebration, Hon. Terkper stated that achieving the University’s vision requires not only intellectual capital, but also the financial, logistical, infrastructural, and technological support needed to drive sustainable progress. He emphasised that the Council will actively engage the government, development partners, the private sector, and philanthropic organisations to help secure this vital foundation, ensuring the University’s long-term growth and relevance.
The launch, which took place at the Auditorium, Multipurpose Building, was a colorful event. It was moderated by the Registrar, Mrs. Mary Abena Agyepong, and held under the theme: “Sustainable Steps Towards Securing Our Environment: Years of Achievements, Challenges, and Progress.” The ceremony brought together dignitaries and stakeholders, including members of the University community including the Pro. Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edward Wiafe Debrah, a representative of the Vice-President, Dr. Emmanuel Newmanthe Minister of Public Sector Reforms,Hon Lydia Akanvoriba, the Regional Minister, Minister Hon. Rita Adjei Awatey, the clergy, traditional rulers, ministers of state, heads of government departments and agencies, as well as representatives from the security services and development partners.
Prof. Ahiatrogah, outlined the Council’s vision for UESD to emerge as a catalyst for green innovation, a hub for cutting-edge environmental research, and a critical voice in shaping Ghana’s—and indeed Africa’s—sustainability agenda. He reaffirmed its commitment to support policies and initiatives that promote inclusiveness, excellence, gender equity, and global competitiveness. He acknowledged the vital role the University plays in driving progress and pledged that the Council will soon undertake a review and relaunch of UESD’s Five-Year Strategic Plan. Once revised, the plan will ensure that the University continues to respond effectively to evolving environmental challenges and opportunities, while remaining impactful and future focused.
In her remarks, the Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Rita Adjei Awatey, lauded the theme of the celebration, describing it as a true reflection of the University’s mission. She lauded UESD’s evolution from its modest beginnings into a vibrant and growing institution offering academic programmes that are crucial to collective environmental survival. She noted that the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council regards UESD as a vital partner and expressed her expectation for high-level research and innovations that offer solutions to critical environmental issues—from desertification and coastal erosion to waste management and sustainable water use. She challenged the University and its partners to continue fostering innovation, strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, and expanding outreach to local communities.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, highlight some strides the University has chaked over the past five years. He stated that since its establishment, UESD has remained committed to sustainable development interventions as the path toward achieving its vision of securing the environment. The University has introduced pioneering academic programmes that align with both national and global development goals. Over the years, it has expanded its offerings from an initial eleven undergraduate programmes to twenty-seven, and has launched three postgraduate programmes, with more currently in development. UESD has also successfully graduated its first cohort of students, marking a significant milestone in its academic journey.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, highlight some strides the University has chaked over the past five years. He stated that since its establishment, UESD has remained committed to sustainable development interventions as the path toward achieving its vision of securing the environment. The University has introduced pioneering academic programmes that align with both national and global development goals. Over the years, it has expanded its offerings from an initial eleven undergraduate programmes to twenty-seven, and has launched three postgraduate programmes, with more currently in development. UESD has also successfully graduated its first cohort of students, marking a significant milestone in its academic journey.
Prof. Nyarko-Sampson noted that the University has launched a Five-Year Strategic Plan to serve as a guide for infrastructural growth, academic programming, student development, financial management, internationalisation efforts, and community engagement. These efforts contributed to UESD being ranked 20th out of 88 universities in the 2023 Webometrics rankings in terms of impact.
However, the Vice-Chancellor also acknowledged the challenges the University continues to face. Chief among the GETFund projects, which has resulted in inadequate office space and furniture for faculty, staff, and students. He further emphasised the need for proper land demarcation and documentation to prevent encroachment and to address security vulnerabilities on campus.
The highlight of the anniversary launch was the official unveiling of the University’s 5th Anniversary logo jointly carried out by the Vice-Chancellor’s representative, Dr. Emmanuel Newman, the Eastern Regional Minister Hon. Rita Adjei Awatey and the Minister of Public Sector Reforms, Hon. Lydia Akanvoriba
A series of activities have been lined up for the rest of the year to celebrate UESD’s journey. These include a float, public lectures, 2nd congregation ceremony, and a durbar in December to climax the event.