UEW Geography Education Week Champions Local Solutions to Ghana’s Development Woes
The Department of Geography Education at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) held its 12th Annual Geography Education Week under the theme, “Local Solutions to Ghana’s Development Challenges: The Role of the Geographer.”
The week-long event, from Friday, 18th- 24th July 2025, featured a series of academic, cultural and student-focused activities aimed at promoting the role of geography in national development and environmental sustainability.
The celebration started with a vibrant float through the main streets of Winneba and the UEW campus to raise awareness of the vital role of geographers in addressing Ghana’s development needs. As part of the activities, students received practical training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and R-statistical software, facilitated by the R-Ghana community alongside demonstrations of advanced surveying equipment by Lika Company Ltd.
A highly competitive quiz involving eight senior high schools took place on Tuesday, 22nd July, 2025, with Swedru Senior High School emerging victorious with 55 points. The quiz was moderated by Dr. Yaw Asamoah and Dr. (Mrs.) Kate Gyasi and judged by a panel of academic staff including Prof. Kofi Adu-Boahen, Dr. Benedict Arko, Dr. Felix Damptey, Dr. Bismark Mensah and Mr. Isaiah Acquah. The competition tested participants’ knowledge of map reading, geographical data interpretation and applied geography.
The celebration culminated in a grand durbar on Thursday, 24th July, 2025, bringing together academics, students, traditional authorities and development partners.
Prof. Adjoa Afriyie-Poku, Head of the Department of Geography Education, highlighted the Department’s growth and the increasing importance of geography in tackling global challenges. She reaffirmed the department’s dedication to experiential learning, applied research and community engagement.
Prof. Esther Yeboah-Danso-Wiredu, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UEW and chairperson for the occasion, commended the department for maintaining high academic standards over the years and urged students to embrace geography as a discipline of transformation and global significance. She encouraged the youth to pursue excellence through resilience, innovation, and purposeful learning.
A major highlight was a compelling keynote speech by Prof. Benjamin Campion, Executive Director of the Ghana Fisheries Commission. He emphasised the need for geographers to lead efforts in sustainable development, environmental policy reform, and resource management. His memorable remark, “You might not be able to go to the sea but you can surely talk to a fisherman,” was met with enthusiastic applause, illustrating the importance of contextual and grassroots-based geographic research.
Omanhene Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II, Guest of Honour and Paramount Chief of Wassa Amenfi Traditional Area, praised the Geography Department for its active role in addressing issues of illegal mining and environmental degradation. He passionately called for greater involvement of traditional leaders in environmental governance and announced an annual award of GH₵5,000 for the best graduating student in the department to encourage academic excellence.
Mr. Abraham Alebina Ayemga, President of the Geography Students Association (GEOSA), expressed sincere gratitude to all dignitaries, sponsors, faculty and students for making the celebration successful. He reiterated the department’s commitment to positioning geographers as agents of change, tasked with solving Ghana’s development challenges through innovation, collaboration and applied knowledge.
The Department also honoured key contributors to the event. Prof. Campion and Omanhene Sekyim II each received citations for their steadfast advocacy and leadership. The Wassa Amenfi Students Union in collaboration with the Department presented an artwork to the Omanhene in appreciation of his support.
Other key activities included a career guidance session led by representatives from the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), the British Council, and the Australian High Commission who introduced students to international study opportunities and scholarships. The event concluded with a game’s day on Friday, 25th July, 2025, encouraging camaraderie and reflection among participants.
