Ghana is set to open the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD)—the country’s first university dedicated to teaching students about climate change and protecting the environment.
The UESD is located in the municipality of Trom-Somanya. It began its second phase of construction earlier this month.
During a ceremony, Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo announced the university would begin recruiting its first batch of students in October.
“On Wednesday, August 5, 2020, I commissioned the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD). I also cut the sod for the commencement of construction of Phase Two of the University,” the president wrote on Facebook.
“The completion of UESD is yet another example of our nation’s commitment to providing quality education and skills training for our people,” he added.
The UESD will offer a number of classes. These include courses on energy sustainability, environmental economics, climate change, environmental policy, and water resources development.
Ghana Tackles the Climate Crisis
This month, the Ghanaian president also commissioned the largest greenhouse estate in West Africa. The green village features 75 greenhouses, which can produce 4,500 tons of tomatoes annually.
Ghana is known for its abundance of natural resources. The country’s economy largely depends on climate-sensitive sectors, such as agriculture and forestry.
Ghana is a top exporter of oil, cocoa, and gold. As a result, the country faces a number of environmental challenges such as mining-related pollution, illegal mining, and deforestation.
Like many other countries, Ghana also faces climate change, coastal degradation, water and air pollution, and waste management issues.
Akufo-Addo said he believes the new university “will provide strategic leadership on environmental and sustainability issues.”
He also hopes it will “become a center of excellence in teaching and research in this very important niche area, not only in the country but also on the continent and beyond.”
He added: “Indeed, this is the first university in the country with the mandate to provide higher education, research and disseminate knowledge on matters of sustainable development, the protection of the environment, and a focus on developing agri-business.”
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