As the year 2024 gradually comes to an end, the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) held its fourth Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at the Auditorium, Multi-Purpose Building, offering praises and thanksgiving. The theme for this year’s carols service was “The Star of the East: Jesus Our Peace.”
The event was attended by the University community, including the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Wiafe Debrah. The UESD Choir also graced the occasion and treated the audience to soothing carol tunes. Special guests included Madam Josephine Kuwornu, Operations Manager of GCB bank PLC, Somanya Branch, along with her team, as well as the Branch Manager of SSNIT, Somanya, and her team.
A highlight of the programme was the performances by personnel from the Directorate of Information Technology Systems and Operations (DITSO), the Directorate of Physical Development and Estate Management (DPDEM), and faculty members from the School of Sustainable Development (SSD) and the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences (SNES).
In her welcome remarks, the Registrar, Mrs. Mary Abena Agyepong, emphasised the importance of such events, noting that they provide an opportunity for the University to express gratitude for God’s infinite mercies throughout the year.
The guest preacher, Rev. Dr. Chris Baah Nartey, Head Pastor of the Kuntunse District of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, delivered the homily on the theme “The Star of the East: Jesus Our Peace.” He explained that the East signifies the direction of God’s presence and the appearance of light, symbolising Jesus Christ, who came into the world as a peace offering to humanity. He urged the congregation to allow the birth of Jesus to inspire peace, calmness, and kindness.
In his goodwill message, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nyarko-Sampson, encouraged attendees to focus on the positives in every experience and to count their blessings as a way of appreciating God’s goodness in their personal lives and in the life of the University. He highlighted the many blessings of the year, including the University’s maiden congregation, which was successfully held on November 23, 2024, and reminded everyone that both challenges and achievements serve as a testament to the greatness of the Lord.