Accra: The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) has launched its 5th Anniversary celebrations with a renewed commitment to champion environmental protection, sustainability, and innovation. The event, held at the university’s campus, brought together government officials, academics, policymakers, and development partners to reflect on UESD’s journey and chart its future.
According to Ghana News Agency, the anniversary was marked under the theme: ‘Sustainable Steps Towards Securing Our Environment: Five Years of Achievements, Challenges, and Progress,’ highlighting UESD’s role as a key driver of Ghana’s green transition. Vice-Chancellor Professor Eric Nyarko-Sampson described the anniversary as ‘a testament to a vision rooted in sustainability, guided by innovation, and committed to building a resilient and environmentally conscious Ghana.’ He quoted sustainability advocate Paul Polman, stating, ‘Sustainability is no longer about doing what is good for the environment; it is about doing what is necessary for survival.’
Established on August 5, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, UESD has rapidly positioned itself as a thought leader in environmental research, education, and advocacy. Among its notable achievements are the introduction of specialized academic programs in climate change, energy economics, and water resources. The university was recognized as the 2022/2023 Public University of the Year by the National Union of Ghana Students and was ranked 20th in Ghana under the Impact Category of the 2023 Webometrics Rankings.
Despite these achievements, Professor Nyarko-Sampson expressed concern over stalled infrastructure projects under Phase Two of the university’s development. He cited the demobilization of contractor Messrs Contracta Construzioni Italia SRL due to funding delays, which has left key facilities, lecture halls, laboratories, sports complexes, and roads incomplete. ‘The incomplete facilities are affecting student intake and limiting campus expansion,’ he stated while appealing to the government for urgent funding and protection of university lands from encroachment.
Delivering remarks on behalf of University Council Chairman Mr. Seth Terkper, Professor Dela Ahiatrogah commended the pioneering efforts of the university’s first Council and reaffirmed its dedication to advancing UESD’s mission. ‘Our mission remains clear: to consolidate our gains and accelerate our impact as a catalyst for green innovation and a hub for sustainability leadership in Ghana and across Africa,’ he said. He also announced the completion of UESD’s maiden strategic plan and the upcoming launch of a revised version, in line with directives from the Minister for Education, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu.
Eastern Regional Minister Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, who served as Guest of Honour, hailed UESD as a ‘bold national initiative’ aligned with regional development priorities and global sustainability targets. ‘UESD is not only driving academic excellence but also generating economic opportunities for Somanya and its environs,’ she noted.
Representing the CEO of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Ms. Patience Lartey emphasized the critical role of academia in Ghana’s energy transition. ‘Securing the environment is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. UESD must be a co-creator of solutions, not just an academic observer,’ she said, reaffirming GNPC’s commitment to deepening collaboration with UESD in afforestation, biodiversity protection, and research.
The highlight of the launch was the unveiling of the 5th Anniversary logo, jointly performed by the Vice-President’s representative Dr. Emmanuel Newman, the Regional Minister Mrs. Awatey, and the Minister for Public Sector Reforms Madam Lydia Akanvoriba. A series of activities are scheduled throughout the year, including a float, public lectures, the university’s second congregation ceremony, and a durbar in December to climax the celebrations.
UESD was inaugurated in 2020 as Ghana’s first public university dedicated to environmental and sustainable development studies. The university’s mandate includes training experts in environmental science, sustainable agriculture, and climate policy. Like many public institutions, UESD faces infrastructure challenges. Delays in funding and contractor demobilization have stalled critical projects, affecting academic delivery and student welfare. As UESD marks five years of existence, it stands at a pivotal moment, poised to deepen its impact on Ghana’s sustainable development agenda through research, innovation, and strategic partnerships.