Raise your voice against galamsey -Adutwum charges universities

Former Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has made a passionate appeal to Ghanaian universities to boldly confront the scourge of illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, describing it as the most pressing environmental challenge facing the nation.

Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the 10th Graduation Ceremony of Christ Apostolic University College (CAUC) in Kumasi, over the weekend, Dr. Adutwum called on the academic community to raise their voices even if it means challenging the political establishment, to rescue the country’s degraded environment.

“The greatest challenge we are facing in terms of the environment is galamsey. Universities have to raise their voices and sometimes raise their voices against us (the political class). Whatever we must do to solve this menace, we must do it.”

Held under the theme – “Universities as Catalysts for Environmental Stewards”, the ceremony saw a total of 253 students graduate, comprising 144 with Bachelor’s degrees, 71 Diplomas and 38 Certificate holders.

Dr. Adutwum, who spoke on the theme – ‘Embrace the Unknown, Seize Opportunity’, urged the graduates to be open-minded and opportunity-driven, using his own career path as a testament to the power of unexpected journeys.

“Many years ago, when we were graduating, we had a fair idea of where we were going. I read Land Economy at KNUST, not knowing I would end up teaching in the United States and later serve as Ghana’s Minister for Education.”

He recounted how a career in Land Economy evolved into a life of service in education across the U.S. where he built schools and was recently recognised by the U.S. Congress for his contributions to American education.

“Wherever you are now, whatever you think you are going to do, except for those already in employment, don’t close your mind to the opportunities that may come your way,” he advised, introducing graduates to a concept called “The Hero’s Journey” – in addition to their Christian doctrines, as a guiding framework for navigating life’s uncertainties.

CAUC President: Sustainability Is Sacred

Delivering the presidential address, Prof Geoffrey Emi-Reynolds, President of CAUC, emphasised that environmental stewardship was not just a global concern, but a moral responsibility, especially for faith-based institutions like CAUC.

“Care for creation is an act of worship and obedience to the Creator. Our duty is not only to build careers, but to sustain the planet.”

He outlined how the university has embedded sustainability in its academic DNA—through research, infrastructure, and programmes addressing climate resilience, agriculture, and public health. He charged graduates to let sustainability, conservation, and stewardship guide their leadership.

“Success built on a lie is a mirage. True greatness resides in service. Advocate for justice. Mentor the next generation. Do not just earn a living—live to make a difference,” Prof. Emi-Reynolds warned.

Environmental Leadership Is a Biblical Mandate

The former Director-General of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCa), Rev. Prof. Evans Appiah, who was the Guest Speaker, underscored the biblical basis for environmental stewardship, citing Genesis 2:15 to affirm that caring for the Earth is a divine calling.

“As Christian graduates, you are leaving this institution with not only degrees, but a divine mandate to protect the environment. Environmental stewardship is not a modern idea; it is a biblical command,” he said.

He noted that Ghana’s ecological challenges, ranging from land degradation and water pollution to deforestation require scientific insight, policy intervention and spiritual accountability.

He charged the graduates to view their academic training as a foundation for transformational leadership in environmental conservation.

Ghana Needs Builders, Not Just Workers

Both speakers echoed a common theme: Ghana’s future depends on visionary and ethical leadership. From the ravages of illegal mining to systemic corruption and youth unemployment, they challenged graduates to step into society as torchbearers of truth, service, and sustainability.

“Ghana does not simply need more workers,” Prof. Emi-Reynolds said, adding “Ghana needs builders of character, of communities and of a sustainable future.”

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