At the 2nd Congregation Thanksgiving Service of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Somanya, Eastern Region, former Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Most Reverend Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo, was the guest preacher. He spoke on the theme: “A Heart of Thanks to a Faithful God.”
The Service, which was attended by members of the University Community, included the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edward Wiafe Debrah, and the fresh graduates. The Registrar served as the Liturgist, and the University Choir was in attendance.
Most Rev. Boafo recounted fond memories of encountering the graduating class during their early days on campus, including an unexpected but memorable tea gathering at the Vice-Chancellor’s residence. “Today, I am here to celebrate with you a faithful God who has seen us and brought us through it all,” he said.
He reminded the fresh graduates that their journey at UESD is only the foundation of a larger mission. Encouraging them to picture themselves at the University’s future centenary celebration, he urged them to aspire to long and impactful lives of service.
He emphasised that their minds have been informed and shaped, preparing them to go into society. Therefore, there is a need for thanksgiving an acknowledgement that others have helped them reach this milestone.
Most Rev. Boafo who is also the Chairman of the Christian Council of Ghana called on the fresh graduates to be “co-partners” in God’s creation, emphasising their roles as stewards of the environment, life, and society. “You are entrusted to care for that which gives us life and makes life meaningful,” he stated.
He urged the graduates to remember the countless hands behind their achievements: parents who supported them from their first day on campus, lecturers who guided and corrected them, staff who created a peaceful learning environment, and friends who kept them grounded.
The Methodist Bishop highlighted three characteristics of a thankful heart it remembers, responds, and returns to God, acknowledging His faithfulness. He commended UESD for its progress in producing graduates equipped for national and global needs. “As an institution… we thank God that He has enabled us to produce this batch of students 200 of them ready to serve the world,” he added.
He further lauded the University’s peaceful, secure, and supportive environment, noting that such conditions are not guaranteed in all tertiary institutions.
The Council Chairman of UESD, Hon. Seth Emmanuel Terkper, delivered a message grounded in personal testimony, institutional history, and national responsibility. He acknowledged the humbling privilege of addressing the University community.
Hon. Terkper shared his unique association with the establishment and early development of UESD. To the graduating class, he reminded them that academic success whether outstanding or below personal expectations is only the beginning of a larger journey.
He highlighted the urgent global and national relevance of UESD’s mission, noting that Ghana’s greatest contemporary challenges are environmental. These align directly with the University’s mandate. “UESD bears the name of the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” he pointed out.
He further connected the timing of the graduation to global climate action, referencing the recent conclusion of COP30 in Brazil. “It could not have been a coincidence,” he remarked.
Hon. Terkper called on the graduates to honour their parents, lecturers, staff, and members of the University community who supported their journey. Above all, he encouraged them to trust in God’s faithfulness as they step into the next phase of their lives.