A Thanksgiving Service was held on Sunday, 2nd February, to climax the 5th Commencement Lecture of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD). It was attended by the University community, with Rev. Enoch Amponsah Yeboah, Head Pastor of Watershed Missional Church, as the Guest Preacher. The service featured praise and worship, as well as scripture readings.
The Registrar served as the Liturgist, and the UCF and UESD choirs were in attendance.
Speaking on the theme “Stewards of Creation: Honouring God through Forest Conservation and Sustainable Living,” Rev. Yeboah based his sermon on several scripture passages, including Deuteronomy 20:19, which spells out God’s command for mankind to preserve the earth. He highlighted that human survival is deeply connected to the preservation of trees and forests, which provide food, medicine, materials, and an improved quality of life free from anxiety and hopelessness.
Rev. Yeboah also addressed the ongoing debate about global warming, stating that rather than focusing on whether it is real or not, mankind should recognise the divine commission to take dominion over the earth and ensure its sustainability for future generations.
He noted that although advocacy for sustainability seems to be declining, the establishment of UESD marks the dawn of renewed hope for Ghana and beyond. He urged staff and students to demonstrate care and stewardship through teaching, learning, research, and advocacy to intensify the fight for a sustained environment—one that aligns with humanity’s role as stewards of God’s green earth.
In his concluding remarks, Rev. Yeboah encouraged the University community and believers to always remain thankful to God, stressing that many miracles occur after the expression of gratitude.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, expressed his gratitude for UESD’s progress and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to developing programmes specifically designed to promote environmental sustainability for the benefit of humankind.
Also present at the event were the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UESD, Prof. Edward Wiafe Debrah; the Assistant Headmistress in charge of Administration at Krobo Girls’ Senior High School, Madam Patience Asafoagyei; and a Senior Pastor of Winners Chapel, Somanya, Pastor Obed Dodovi.