The Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU), on June 5, 2025, celebrated World Environment Day with a call to members of the University Community to take concrete steps towards the protection of the University environment.

The event, which was a collaboration between the Green Club of CCTU and the Climate Change Advisors Ghana (CCAG), a not-for-profit organisation that delivers advocacy, research, policy analysis, and capacity development in climate change mitigation and adaptation, renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture and environmental sustainability, was on the theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution”.

In a keynote address delivered by Ms. Nana Esi Baduwa Taylor, a lecturer and a patron of the Green Club on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kwaku Adutwum Ayim Boakye, the rational for the celebration of the World Environment Day was the promotion of a healthy academic learning environment for academic staff, non-academic staff and students. She underscored the University's commitment to environmental sustainability and encouraged students and staff to take active role in promoting environmental conservation. Ms. Taylor emphasised the need for collective action to address environmental challenges and promote a sustainable future.

Dr. Stephen Agyefi-Mensah, the Acting Director of Works and Physical Development, who is an executive member the Green Club of CCTU delivered a passionate speech, highlighting the importance of individual actions in protecting the environment. “We are all advocates of the environment; it is our duty to speak on behalf of the environment”. He called on staff and students to adopt sustainable environmental practices, reduce waste and promote environmental awareness on campus.

Dr. Samuel Ayeh Ofori, the Director of Research and Programmes, CCAG and a Senior Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), stressed the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability, stating the role of individuals and institutions in protecting the environment. “The world today is all about sustainability; how best we can sustain and improve the quality of life and environment” he mentioned.

He stated how excited he was to see the collaboration between CCAG and CCTU thriving and yielding good results. He concluded his presentation urging the University Community to engage in the tree planting exercise to cap off the celebration. “Trees are nature’s silent warriors and every tree we plant today is a sign of hope for a better tomorrow and I believe our local actions can ensure a global change” he said.

In the final presentation, Dr. Richmond Yeboah, the Head of Tourism Management Department and a Sustainable Development Advocate, spoke of measures which could be taken to make the theme for the celebration a reality. He encouraged students to adopt the habit of having personal water bottles, stating that it was a practice in Germany that helped the country curb plastic pollution. He also admonished students to make tree planting an annual affair.

The event concluded with a tree-planting exercise by staff and students of the University.

The celebration served as a platform for the University community to come together to discuss ways to promote environmental sustainability and conservation.