The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Somanaya, Eastern Region, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, has urged the University community to anticipate significant changes in the coming year, 2026, including the introduction of a new Strategic Plan and new academic programmes. He has therefore called on Deans, Directors, and Heads of Departments, Divisions, and Units to submit their inputs for consideration.
Prof. Nyarko-Sampson was speaking at the 5th Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, held at the Auditorium, Multipurpose Campus, on the theme Christ the Gift of Love. He stated that letters had been sent to the various offices to solicit inputs through a bottom-up approach, ensuring that everyone has a say. He further emphasised the need to change the way things are done and to strengthen commitment to the University.
The programme was attended by members of the University community and also served as a thanksgiving period following the climax of the University’s 5th anniversary celebration.
The programme followed the traditional Nine Lessons format, with scripture readings drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. The readings, delivered by the SRC President, an Alumni representative, union leaders, and senior administrators, were taken from Genesis, Isaiah, Luke, Matthew, and John, tracing the prophetic promise and fulfilment of the birth of Jesus. Each lesson was interspersed with soul-lifting carols performed by the UESD Choir and the guest choir, Our Lady of Fatima Choir, Somanya.
Delivering the purpose of the gathering, the Registrar, Mrs. Mary Abena Agyepong, emphasised the significance of the Christmas season as a time for reflection, hope, and recommitment to service. She noted that the event was not just a carol service, but an embodiment of the University’s thanksgiving to the Almighty God in recognition of His care, protection, and faithfulness to UESD over the past five years, adding that the University had much to be grateful for.
The guest preacher, Rev. Michael Tetteh-Sang of the Assemblies of God Church, Somanya, who spoke on the theme, urged the congregation to embrace the message of Jesus’ birth as a call to love, humility, and personal transformation. He noted that people do not fully understand the true meaning and significance of Christmas, explaining that it is a period for reflection and for acknowledging all that God has done throughout the year. He encouraged the gathering to recognise that the celebration of Christmas should have a positive impact on their emotional and physical well-being, as well as their overall personality and status. “Our status and personality change as we celebrate Christmas,” he remarked, adding that the greatest gift of the Christmas season is Jesus Christ. He therefore urged everyone to celebrate modestly while keeping this truth firmly in mind.
The highlight of the service was the presentation of a citation to the Principal Organist of the UESD Choir, Mr. Benjamin Attah Frimpong, who recently graduated from the University and is currently on National Service outside the University. The citation acknowledged his dedication and invaluable service to the University Choir as a student and committed member.
The citation was read by the Chairperson of the UESD Choir, Ms. Jenniffer Afful, with support from other Executive members of the Choir, including the Director, Dr. Godfred Akuffo, and was subsequently presented to the recipient by the Registrar, Mrs. Agyepong.