The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Somanya, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, has commended the Okyehene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, for his recognition and support for the University’s environmental mandate. He acknowledged the Okyehene’s efforts in involving UESD’s students and faculty in his environmental protection initiatives.
Prof. Nyarko-Sampson made these remarks during a visit to the Okyehene’s palace in Kyebi, in the Abuakwa South Municipality of the Eastern Region. He was accompanied by the Registrar, Mrs. Mary Abena Agyepong, and some senior members of the University.
The purpose of the visit was to brief the Okyehene on UESD’s flagship Nkabom Project and to formally invite him to the climax of the University’s 5th Anniversary celebrations scheduled for December. The visit forms part of a wider exercise to engage traditional authorities within the University’s catchment area.
Prof. Nyarko-Sampson explained that the Nkabom Project is a collaborative initiative involving five Universities and industry partners, with support from the Mastercard Foundation and
Mc Gill University. The project seeks to train young people to access employment opportunities in agro-waste processing, aquaculture, and entrepreneurship. It will also introduce short courses and degree programmes in these areas.
He emphasised that involving traditional leaders is critical to the success of the project, especially in reaching and empowering young people at the community level.
On the upcoming anniversary, Prof. Nyarko-Sampson noted the importance of inviting the Okyehene, given his strong association with environmental advocacy and his enduring support for UESD. He highlighted that the University currently offers twenty-seven (27) accredited programmes, including three undergraduate programmes, and operates through two academic Schools.
In his response, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, flanked by three of his chiefs, underscored the vital role of the environment in daily life and commended UESD Management for its steady growth and the milestone of its 5th anniversary. He expressed his desire to be part of the celebration, stating that any initiative aimed at youth empowerment is worth supporting.
He lamented the limited employment opportunities for young people, attributing the problem partly to the centralised governance system, which he described as outdated. He advocated decentralisation to ensure that opportunities are more equitably distributed.
The Okyehene emphasised the need for leaders with a strong grounding in environmental stewardship and leadership. He pledged his support for the Nkabom Project and expressed his readiness to mobilise youth groups within his jurisdiction to participate in the initiative. The Registrar, Mrs. Agyepong, presented him with a copy of UESD’s Five-Year Strategic Plan.
By: Barbara Mary Yakubu