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By: Emmanuel Austin Baah
The Head of the Department of Environmental Management and Technology at Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU), Professor Stephen Agyefi-Mensah, has called on Ghanaians to take bold, practical and decisive action to protect the environment and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
He made the appeal while chairing the University’s commemoration of World Environment Day 2026, celebrated under the global theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”
Addressing Deans, Directors, faculty members, students and invited guests, Prof. Agyefi-Mensah underscored the urgent need for collective environmental responsibility in the face of growing climate challenges. He noted that World Environment Day, established by the United Nations in 1972, has evolved into one of the world’s most influential platforms for promoting environmental awareness, advocacy and action.
According to him, the occasion serves not only as a celebration of the Earth’s rich natural heritage but also as a timely reminder of humanity’s shared duty to preserve and protect the environment for future generations.
“Nature continues to provide the foundation for human survival and economic development. However, environmental degradation, climate change, pollution and unsustainable resource use threaten the very systems that sustain life,” he stated.
Prof. Agyefi-Mensah stressed that the time for discussion alone had passed, urging individuals, institutions and communities to adopt environmentally responsible practices and champion sustainable development initiatives.
He further highlighted the critical role of education and research in addressing environmental challenges, noting that tertiary institutions such as CCTU have a responsibility to equip students with the knowledge, skills and innovative solutions needed to tackle climate-related issues.
The event brought together members of the university community and stakeholders from various sectors to reflect on the importance of environmental sustainability and explore practical strategies for combating climate change.
Participants were encouraged to embrace environmentally friendly lifestyles, promote conservation efforts and become active advocates for climate action within their communities.
As the world continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, Prof. Agyefi-Mensah’s message resonated strongly: meaningful action taken today will determine the quality of the environment and climate inherited by future generations.