The President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has urged the new graduates of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Somanaya, Eastern Region to act as ambassadors and uphold the University’s reputation at all times. He emphasised that the University was established as the nation’s response to environmental challenges such as climate change, global warming, and environmental degradation. Its mission is to train young, intelligent minds to find practical solutions to pressing environmental issues affecting Africa and the world.
President Akufo-Addo was speaking at the maiden congregation of UESD, held under the theme Sustaining Our Future: Innovating for a Greener Tomorrow.
Dignitaries and Guests
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Minister of Education, Hon. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum; Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong; former Minister of Finance, Hon. Seth Terkper; members of the clergy; representatives from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Vice-Chancellor’s Ghana; security forces; and UESD’s Council Chairman, Prof. Jonathan Narh Ayertey, along with other council members. Also in attendance were friends, families of the graduates, and traditional leaders such as Oklipeme Nuer Anorbah Sasraku II, Konor of Yiloklo State, and Nene Sakitey II, Konor of Manya Krobo Traditional Area, who is also the President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs.
Graduation Statistics
Eighty-six (86) students graduated, comprising 59 males and 27 females, with degrees from the School of Sustainable Development (SSD) and the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences (SNES). Eleven students graduated with First-Class Honours, and 39 earned Second-Class Upper.
Mr. Maxwell Boakye, a student from the Department of Environment and Public Health (SNES), emerged as the Best Graduating Student with a perfect GPA of 4.0. He distinguished himself by winning 10 out of 23 awards sponsored by individuals and institutions. The Best Female Graduating Student, Miss Portia Teye Korlekie, who studied Energy Sustainability, achieved a GPA of 3.85.
Presidential Address
President Akufo-Addo advised the graduates to view their degrees not as mere certificates but as symbols of responsibility and a call to action. He urged them to lead, inspire, and contribute to building a brighter future for current and future generations. As the pioneer graduates of UESD, he emphasised their role as torchbearers, encouraging them to leave lasting impressions of their academic excellence and work ethic wherever they go, thereby advancing the University’s reputation.
The President also encouraged the University community to continue contributing to the institution’s growth. He assured audience of the government’s commitment to addressing UESD’s challenges, citing the construction of a 440-bed hostel facility as one of the initiatives made possible by the gains from the debt restructuring exercise.
On the issue of illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, President Akufo-Addo reiterated the government’s commitment to taking decisive action to address the damage it is causing to the environment.
Vice-Chancellor’s Address
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Nyarko Sampson, advised the graduates to persevere in the face of challenges, including potential job rejections. He quoted Vince Lombardi: “It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get back up.”
Guest Speaker’s Address
Mr. Farouk Braimah, a sustainable urban development activist, delivered a motivational address to the graduates. He encouraged them to embrace their roles as pioneers of UESD and ambassadors of environmental sustainability. He highlighted global challenges, including the triple planetary crisis of climate change, air pollution, and biodiversity loss, urging graduates to apply their education to address these pressing issues. Mr. Braimah underscored the urgency for action, especially as Ghana’s urban population grows and unsustainable practices continue to impact the environment.
Cultural Highlights
The event featured the unveiling of the UESD anthem, performed by the UESD Choir and conducted by its composer, Mr. Godfred Teye Mensah Akuffo. Mr. Akuffo, an Assistant Lecturer in African Studies, is also a prominent chorister.
The ceremony also featured a performance by the Police Band and the UESD Choir.