Dr Andy Osei Okrah, Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), has called on graduates to move beyond theoretical knowledge and embrace practical solutions to address pressing national challenges.
Speaking at the second congregation of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) in Somanya, Dr Okrah emphasized that knowledge confined to lecture halls is “like a viable seed left in a barren barn, it holds potential, yet bears no fruit.”
He urged graduates to reject the comfort of theory and translate their academic training into actionable interventions.
Highlighting Ghana’s environmental crises, he noted that the country was grappling with climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, deforestation, and water scarcity.
“Our rivers, the Birim, the Densu, the Pra, are not flowing waters; they are open wounds poisoned by galamsey. Our forests are being stolen through illegal logging, farming, and mining. Our cities are choked with plastic waste, filling drains and causing floods, while poverty deepens in affected communities,” he lamented.
Dr Okrah challenged graduates to leverage their expertise to create solutions.
“If you studied Environmental Science, design workable waste management systems for your communities and become a job creator. If you pursued Policy or Development Studies, help shape policies that make sustainability a daily, non-negotiable reality,” he said.
He stressed that the global demand for green jobs in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate finance presents significant opportunities for graduates.
The ceremony saw 200 students from various disciplines awarded bachelor’s degrees.
Miss Christabel Kekeli Acorlor, Valedictorian for the 2025 batch, expressed gratitude to parents, lecturers, and the University Council for their support.
Miss Acorlor, who graduated with a BSc in Water Resources Development, received multiple awards, including Overall Best Graduating Student.
Source: GNA
The post University graduates urged to apply theories to real-life challenges appeared first on Ghana Business News.
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