The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Somanya, Eastern Region held a Thanksgiving Service at the Auditorium, Multipurpose Building of the University, to end the 2024/25 academic. The event brought together Management members, faculty, administrative staff, students, and invited guests to express gratitude to God for his continued guidance and blessings over the period.
In his brief message, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, underscored the importance of thanksgiving as a vital value for fostering peace, unity, and institutional growth. He reflected on the remarkable progress UESD has achieved in recent years across academic development, research, community engagement, and student enrollment; achievements he attributed to the grace of God.
Prof. Nyarko-Sampson urged staff and students to stay committed to the University’s vision and mission while upholding the habit of thanksgiving at all times.
The Registrar, Mrs. Mary Abena Agyepong, who served as the Liturgist, underscored the power of gratitude. She reminded the University community that we all have countless reasons to thank God—chief among them, the simple gift of life. “Imagine paying for the air we breathe,” she said. In that light, she declared, thanksgiving is not just meaningful—it is the least we can offer.
Delivering the sermon which focused on gratitude, Rev. Joseph Owusu of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Somanya, highlighted the significance of gratitude and stewardship as pillars of both personal and institutional advancement. He reminded the congregation that thanksgiving must be offered in every circumstance; whether in trials or triumphs, in good health or in sickness, affirming that “we need to give thanks at all times.” Rev. Owusu further called on the UESD community to align their individual roles with the broader mission of the University, noting that thanksgiving is not only an act of worship but also a wellspring of renewed strength and direction.
He commended, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson for his courageous acceptance of leadership at the time when the campus was a little more than a forest with no students. Today, with enrollment exceeding one thousand, the University’s growth is a clear testimony to God’s faithfulness, giving the Vice-Chancellor and Management every reason to express profound gratitude, he emphasised.
In attendance was the University Christian Fellowship (UCF) choir. As part of the celebration, certificates of appreciation were presented to outgoing UCF leaders who had completed their studies and were preparing to depart the University. The Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edward Wiafe Debrah was also present at the Service.
By: Eric Smart Anumah