By Emelia B. Addae
Somanya (E/R), Feb. 12, GNA – Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, Eastern Regional Minister has reaffirmed her unwavering support for the University of Environment and Sustainable Development’s (UESD) vision of securing the environment for the public good.
She said ” my office will liase with development partners and appropriate authorities to help complete the ongoing infrastructure and development projects in the University to enhance teaching, research, and community engagement to the best of my ability.”
She made the disclosures at the fifth annual commencement lecture organised by UESD in Somanya in the Yilo Krobo Municipality.
It was under the theme: ” Forest for the future: Strategies for addressing climate change, biodiversity loss and sustainable development in Ghana.”
She said strengthening partnership with organisations such as A Rocha Ghana, other institutions and Non-Governmental Organisations will contribute to advance sustainable land-use practices, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
The Eastern Region, endowed with rich forest ecosystem, faces urgent threats from deforestation, illegal mining and climate variability, she said and added ” it is imperative to empower our students to become pioneers of green innovation and environmental leadership.”
The Minister was enthusiast about the University’s core values dubbed HOPE which means Honesty, Opportunities, Perseverance, and Enterprising.
She said the values were not mere words but guiding principles that must shape the character and aspirations of every individual in the school.
She urged the students fraternity, to embrace the values saying ” they are your compass in navigating academic rigour, personal growth and the urgent task of safeguarding our planet.”
The University of Environment and Sustainable Development was established by UESD Act, 2015 (Act 898) during the tenure of President John Dramani Mahama and inaugurated on the 5th of August, 2020, by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
It visions to be a centre of excellence in knowledge gathering and dissemination in the area of environment for public good.
GNA