As a prelude to the Inaugural Lecture of Professor Edward Wiafe Debrah, Conservation Biologist and Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), the University has mounted an exhibition of his scholarly works at a short ceremony held at Lecture Theatre 3a on the Somanya campus.
The exhibition, attended by members of Management, faculty, staff, and students, showcased more than 50 of Professor Wiafe’s publications and research outputs, highlighting his distinguished contributions to conservation biology, environmental governance, and sustainable development.
The publications were grouped into nine thematic areas: Primate Conservation Research; Major Scholarly Contributions; Forest Ecology and Habitat Restoration; Avian and Ecosystem Monitoring; Community-Based Conservation and Livelihood Integration; Interdisciplinary Conservation Science; Global and Policy Contributions; Environmental Governance and Applied Conservation; and Human-Wildlife Conflict Management.
Participants toured the exhibition under the guidance of Professor Wiafe, who personally explained the research behind his publications and the impact they have made on wildlife conservation, forest ecology, biodiversity protection, and sustainable natural resource management in Ghana over the years.
Drawing on decades of field experience, he highlighted research that led to the identification of critically endangered species, documented the ecological importance of birds as pollinators and natural pest controllers, and demonstrated how conserving large mammals contributes to the survival of other wildlife species and the protection of entire ecosystems.
Professor Wiafe also shared findings from his research on human-wildlife conflict, including practical interventions such as the use of pepper-based deterrents to prevent elephants from destroying farmlands around protected areas. He discussed studies on the responses of hippopotamus populations to environmental changes following the construction of the Bui Dam, the role of forest patrols in generating scientific data for conservation, and the contributions of women to community-based natural resource management.
He further emphasised the need to improve the livelihoods of communities living around protected areas, stressing that effective conservation must balance biodiversity protection with the well-being of people whose lives are directly affected by wildlife.
The exhibition provided participants with valuable insights into the practical impact of Professor Wiafe’s research on environmental policy, conservation practice, and sustainable development.
Addressing the gathering, the Registrar, Mrs Mary Abena Agyepong described the exhibition as more than a display of academic accomplishments.
She said, “The exhibition is more than a showcase of academic achievement. It is a testament to the power of knowledge in shaping a sustainable future. It reminds us that the work of a conservation biologist ultimately relies on collaboration. Every paper, project, and discovery showcased here reflects a commitment to ensuring that the wisdom of research is translated into practical action for the benefit of humanity and the natural world.”
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eric Nyarko-Sampson, commended Professor Wiafe for his outstanding contributions to research and scholarship, describing him as a distinguished academic whose dedication to knowledge creation has brought honour to the University.
He noted that the exhibition of his scholarly works reflects years of commitment, intellectual excellence, and impactful research, adding that it was a fitting recognition of a scholar whose work continues to inspire academic excellence, innovation, and meaningful research within and beyond the University.
Professor Nyarko-Sampson expressed the hope that Professor Wiafe’s achievements would motivate faculty members, researchers, and students to pursue excellence in research and contribute innovative solutions to environmental and societal challenges.
Visitors to the exhibition described it as inspiring and intellectually enriching, noting that it showcased not only Professor Wiafe’s remarkable academic journey but also his unwavering commitment to research, mentorship, and knowledge generation. They observed that the collection of more than 50 scholarly works reflected years of dedication to advancing scholarship and addressing societal challenges through research.
Professor Edward Wiafe Debrah will deliver UESD’s first inaugural lecture on Thursday, July 2, 2026, under the theme: “Biodiversity at the Crossroads: Science, Conservation, and Sustainable Development in Africa”