As part of activities marking its 5th anniversary, the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) continues to deepen community engagement and raise awareness of its milestone achievements. On a symbolic and strategic visit, the 5th Anniversary Planning Committee, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eric Nyarko-Sampson, paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief of New Juaben Traditional Area, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, who also serves as President of the New Juaben Traditional Council.
The delegation included Mrs. Mary Abena Agyepong, Registrar of UESD, Dr. Shine Francis Gbedemah, Chairman of the Anniversary Committee, and some senior faculty and administrative staff.
In his address, Prof. Nyarko-Sampson highlighted the significant strides UESD has made in its first five years. He recounted the University’s humble beginnings and shared key developments, including infrastructure growth, academic expansion, and impactful community partnerships. He formally invited Daasebre to the Grand Durbar slated for 13th December, the climax of a year-long celebration launched on August 5th, exactly five years after the university was established.
The Vice-Chancellor also outlined a host of planned activities, including a community float through Somanya, academic lectures, an awards ceremony, and the University’s 2nd Congregation.
A key highlight of the visit was the introduction of the Nkabom Project—a major collaborative initiative spearheaded by UESD in partnership with five other institutions, including McGill University, and supported by the Mastercard Foundation. Prof. Nyarko-Sampson said, the project aims to train over three million young people in the Eastern and parts of the Volta Region, equipping them with skills to secure dignified employment.
UESD’s role focuses on the Nutrition and Sustainable Agri-Food Collaborative, with specialised training in agro-waste transformation and aquaculture. He revealed that new curricula—ranging from short courses to Ph.D. programmes, are currently under development and pending approval by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). Preliminary baseline studies have already been conducted in parts of the Eastern and Volta Regions to identify potential beneficiary communities.
In his response, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III commended UESD’s growth and expressed admiration for its commitment to education and innovation. “Knowledge is power,” he affirmed, describing UESD as the “University of the Day”, and pledged the Traditional Council’s full support, adding that he would encourage fellow chiefs across the region to partner with the university for mutual development.
Daasebre also praised the Nkabom Project as a “laudable intervention” with the potential to bring meaningful transformation to the youth of his Region. He expressed optimism that its implementation would significantly alleviate youth unemployment and inspire sustainable livelihoods.