Accra: The implementation of the European Union co-funded £1 million Improving Study Programs in Ghana by Introducing Green Solutions, Sustainability Modules, and Digital Transformation (ImPreSSion) project aims to position Ghana closer to achieving specific targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These targets, according to Mr. Florian Balmes, the Project Director, include Goals Two, Six, and Seven.
According to Ghana News Agency, the United Nations Global Goals 2, 6, and 7 urge countries worldwide to eliminate hunger, enhance access to water and sanitation, and ensure clean energy availability by 2030. With just about five years remaining, Mr. Balmes emphasized the crucial role of clean water, energy, and sufficient food in attaining sustainable development. He praised Ghana's thriving economy amidst its rapid population growth.
The ImPreSSion project, spanning three years, seeks to enhance and update study programs in three Ghanaian public universities, focusing on energy, water, and agriculture. The University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), University of Ghana (UG), and the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) are steering the project to meet the respective sectoral targets.
Addressing the rationale behind selecting Ghana for this project, Mr. Balmes highlighted the search for collaborative opportunities and partnerships focusing on water, energy, and agriculture, as these are critical to sustainable development. He noted Ghana's diverse ecological zones and the significant challenges it faces due to climate change, such as flooding and drought.
Mr. Balmes further explained that the project is set to have a profound impact, emphasizing the interdependence of energy, water, and sustainable agriculture. He expressed satisfaction with the consortium's establishment in Ghana, which aims to enhance curricula, teaching skills, and infrastructure to prepare future graduates for the market and societal contributions.
Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako, Vice Chancellor of UENR, conveyed to the Ghana News Agency the university's commitment to forming partnerships and developing programs addressing emerging challenges. He acknowledged agriculture, water, and energy as pivotal to national sustainable development and commended the project's implementation and its funders.
Prof Nana Sarfo Agyeman Derkyi, UENR's Pro Vice Chancellor and Project Lead, remarked on Ghana's position as an emerging African nation witnessing robust population growth and economic progress. He noted that the project would equip graduates with updated knowledge, preparing them to address real-world challenges in these three sectors.
