Demand policies that protect the environment from politicians – Catholic Bishop of Koforidua tells voters

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Koforidua, Most Reverend Joseph Afrifah-Agyekum, has urged voters to demand robust environmental protection policies from political parties as the campaign season heats up.

His call comes amid the ongoing environmental damage caused by illegal mining and plastic waste across the country and its  adverse  impact  on local communities and ecosystems.

He spoke during a Pastoral visit to the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) at Somanya in the Eastern Region.

“As an Akyem, we used to say, ‘Akyemkwa onum birem nsuo,’ meaning we drank from the Birim River.

Can we still say that now?” Bishop Afrifah-Agyekum remarked.

He urged voters to question political candidates about their plans for sustainable environmental policies.

If I have the opportunity, I will quiz them on what their sustainable environmental policies are,” he added.

Most Reverend Joseph Afrifah-Agyekum

Illegal mining activities and irresponsible waste disposal continue to harm the environment.

Farmlands are becoming barren, and rivers are polluted, raising concerns about the future sustainability of natural resources.

Most Reverend Afrifah-Agyekum, visit to the University underscored the critical role educational institutions play in cultivating environmental awareness.

The Bishop planting a ceremonial tree at the UESD campus

He urged them to equip students with the knowledge and values necessary to protect the environment.

“We have to be serious about this issue.

With this University, let’s see how we can inculcate these ideals into the minds of our young people.

Form them well so that they can become the change agents for this country,” he said.

Professor Eric Nyarko-Sampson, Vice-Chancellor of UESD, noted that the University is leading the charge in environmental education, offering degree programmes in climate change, urban development, water resources, energy sustainability, and agricultural practices.

“We are currently rolling out a number of courses that would impact our immediate community and the country as a whole,” he explained.

UESD by its mandate is to be at the forefront of environmental education, aiming to empower the next generation of environmental leaders and promote sustainable practices.