The Chief Executive of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCA), Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, has urged the graduating Class of 2025 of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) to transform their academic knowledge into bold, practical solutions for national development.
He intimated that graduation marks not an end, but the beginning of a national duty.
Dr. Okrah delivered his speech as the Guest Speaker at the ceremony held at the New Auditorium, which was attended by Council members, convocation, the Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey; the former Chairman of the UESD Council and former Minister of Education, Dr. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh; and other dignitaries. The Special Guest of Honour, Chief of Staff Hon. Julius Debrah, was represented by a former Eastern Regional Minister, Dr. Akyem Apea Kubi.
Speaking on the theme, “From Knowledge to Action: Advancing Environmental Stewardship and Societal Transformation,” Dr. Okrah highlighted the urgent environmental challenges facing Ghana. He noted that the country continues to grapple with climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, deforestation, and water scarcity, adding that “our river bodies have become open wounds poisoned by galamsey.”
According to him, Ghana’s forests are not simply shrinking but are “being stolen” through illegal logging, farming, and mining activities. He explained that frequent urban flooding is, to a large extent, due to improper disposal of plastic waste, much of which ends up clogging drainage systems.
The Forester noted that environmental pollution affects not only urban residents but rural communities as well. He stressed that although environmental laws exist, the moral responsibility to safeguard the earth is being trampled. “To stand silent now, equipped with the knowledge provided by UESD, is to be complicit in the theft of prosperity and life,” he said. He emphasised that the call today is not just to study these problems but to act decisively to solve them.
Addressing the graduands, Dr. Okrah challenged them to envision their degrees as contracts for action, and to apply the knowledge and skills acquired at UESD to address Ghana’s escalating environmental crises, including climate change, deforestation, pollution, illegal mining, and waste management failures.
He emphasised that given the unique mandate of UESD in environment and sustainable development, its graduates must become change agents—designing bold community solutions, influencing policy, promoting green innovation, and leading sustainability efforts locally and globally. He urged them to create jobs for others rather than waiting for government employment.
He encouraged the graduands to support Ghana’s resetting agenda, stressing that their skills are critical to the creation of green jobs in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate finance. He urged them to live green, lead green, speak green, and let their work shape the future of Ghana and beyond.
By: Eric Smart Anumah