The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Somanya, has signed an MoU with the Eastern Region branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to promote environmental sustainability and development-focused reporting under its flagship Nkabom Initiative.
The agreement followed a stakeholder engagement at UESD’s Council Chamber, aimed at deepening media collaboration to raise public awareness on sustainable agro-waste processing and youth entrepreneurship.
GJA’s Regional delegation was led by Chairman, Mr. Stephen Ampen-Darko Koranteng, with Secretary Mrs Gloria Edina Matiasen and PRO, Mr. Michael Kofi Kaneti, and Welfare Officer Ms. Priscilla Asante.
Nkabom Project Coordinator and Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edward Wiafe Debrah, said the MoU formalises earlier talks to strengthen reporting on environmental issues and the project. “We are pleased to finally formalise this partnership.”
He added that consistent media involvement is crucial to translating technical research into community impact. “Through this partnership, we expect to bridge the gap between academia and the public, ensuring that stories of innovation, resilience, and green entrepreneurship reach every household in the Region.”
Vice-Chancellor and Chief Investigator, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, stressed the media’s role in shaping public understanding. The partnership will include training to equip journalists with knowledge in environmental sustainability and restoration. “This allows us to bring journalists on board and ensure the narrative reflects the true impact of our work,” he said.
Now in its second year, the 10-year Nkabom Initiative will rely on sustained collaboration to meet its goals. Prof. Nyarko-Sampson also urged journalists to consider specialising in environmental reporting, in line with UESD’s focus.
The Chairman, Mr. Koranteng expressed appreciation to UESD for the partnership and affirmed GJA’s readiness to tell the project’s story accurately and responsibly, free from bias or sensationalism.
Plans are underway for a journalists’ immersion programme to further strengthen the partnership.
Present were other members of the Collaborative, including the Project Administrator, Mrs Mary Abena Agyepong.