It was climaxed with a grand durbar on the university’s campus at Somanya, and attracted government officials, traditional leaders, academicians, development partners, among other groups.
The government officials included Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, the Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency, Mr Innocent Haligah, the Chief Director representing Mr Emmanuel Armah-Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, and Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, a Former Minister for Education,
The University of Environment and Sustainable Development was established on August 5, 2020, to address climate change, environmental degradation, and the urgent need for sustainable practices.
Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson,the Vice-Chancellor of UESD, said, the University was established to secure the environment for the sake of human survival, and was not only to teach and conduct research, but to shape citizens who would lead transformative change for a sustainable future.

He highlighted the Institution’s milestones, including the launch of 27 Bachelor of Science programmes and three graduate degrees, research collaborations with local and international institutions, annual sustainability conferences, and initiatives such as the Community-Based Experience Learning (COBEL) programme, which immersed students in local communities to address environmental challenges.
“Our students are not just learners. They are ambassadors of hope, honesty, opportunity, perseverance, and enterprise-prepared to tackle Ghana’s pressing environmental and social challenges,” he said.

Prof. Nyarko-Sampson noted that UESD had established over 50 local and international partnerships, such as the Mastercard Foundation-funded Nkabom Collaborative Project.
The project aimd to equip 55,000 young Ghanaians with practical skills for dignified employment.

He said each partnership reflected the University’s our unwavering commitment to sustainability and inclusive development.
Dr Gloria Djaney Djagbletey, the Principal Research Scientist of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), also the Guest Speaker, commended UESD’s rapid progress despite its young age.

She said it was inspiring to see a young University establishing a strong academic and research foundation, saying the UESD was fostering a culture of sustainable innovation and responsible citizenship.
“Its work today will leave lasting impacts on environmental management and policy in Ghana.” Djagbletey said.

She indicated that safeguarding the environment was a shared responsibility and every decision taken presently, would shape the world for generations to come.
Mr Seth Tekper, the Council Chairman of UESD, mentioned the challenges faced by the university, citing lack of infrastructure including modernize digital systems, to support teaching, research, and administration.

He appealed to the government, Parliament, and development partners to help complete stalled construction projects, provide adequate office and laboratory spaces, and help solve land security issues.
He called on private sector stakeholders to support the university’s endowment, and fund research chairs.

Mr Tekper said “UESD is a strategic national asset. Investing in this university is investing in Ghana’s environmental security and future.”
Despite financial and infrastructural constraints, the anniversary reinforced UESD’s determination to remain a beacon of sustainability.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the symbolic passing of flags from alumni to junior staff, senior staff, teaching and non-teaching members, Management, and finally the Governing Council, signifying the collective commitment of the university community to UESD’s vision.