The Department of Environment and Sustainability Sciences at the University for Development Studies (UDS) has been honoured for its pioneering efforts in environmental management, as Ghana joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2025 World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.

The celebration, held under the global theme “Restore the Land. Unlock the Opportunities,” focused on the critical role of land restoration in securing food systems, creating green jobs, and building climate resilience, especially in drought-prone areas like northern Ghana.

The Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) led the national observance with a series of coordinated activities across the country, including educational outreach programmes, community dialogues, and symbolic tree-planting events.

During a high-level event in Tamale, the Minister for Environment, Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, presented a special award to the UDS Department of Environment and Sustainability Sciences. The award recognized the department’s sustained leadership in promoting sustainable land use, educating future environmental scientists, and advancing research that informs policy in Ghana’s semi-arid regions.

“The University for Development Studies has not only trained a generation of environmentally conscious leaders but has also consistently supported government initiatives aimed at reversing land degradation,” the Minister remarked. “In the Northern regions, where climate vulnerability is particularly acute, UDS has been a vital partner in resilience-building efforts.”

The recognition was met with applause from academia, policy circles, and development partners alike. Faculty and students from UDS expressed gratitude, reaffirming their commitment to community-based research and environmental advocacy.

“This honour is not just for the department,” said Prof. Owusu-Sekyere of the Department Environment and Sustainability Sciences. “It’s a testament to the power of science, education, and community engagement working hand-in-hand to protect the land we all depend on.”

This year’s commemoration served as both a celebration and a call to action. Ghana continues to face pressing challenges related to desertification and drought, particularly in its savannah zones. However, the spotlight on local actors like UDS demonstrates how homegrown solutions, rooted in research and regional knowledge, are shaping a more sustainable future.

Story by:
Abdul Hayi Moomen
(UDS Media)