Chairing the event, Prof. Wisdom H. K. Hordzi, Head of the Department of Biology Education, underscored the university’s role in transforming lives through education. He emphasised that environmental education must translate into practical solutions for the community, stressing that pollution, particularly water contamination, poses a serious threat to public health.

“Our duty as educators is not only to teach but also to ensure that our teachings benefit society,” Prof. Hordzi stated. He warned against the careless disposal of plastics and other waste, highlighting the issue that harmful chemicals from these pollutants can infiltrate water sources, leading to severe health issues such as cholera and cancer.

Mr. Cephas Siegfriet Adusu, BIOSSA President, reflected on past student-led environmental initiatives and called for a renewed commitment to protecting water bodies. “Last year, our focus was on restoring green spaces, but today we shift our attention to a more pressing challenge—water pollution,” he declared. Highlighting the theme, “Combating Water Pollution for a Sustainable Blue Economy,” Mr. Adusu stressed that every individual had a role in safeguarding water resources for future generations.

Prof. Victus Samlafo, Dean of the Faculty of Science Education at UEW, provided a broader perspective on the economic consequences of water pollution, citing the destruction of marine life, loss of livelihoods and the heavy financial burden on infrastructure and public health. “The statistics are alarming. Millions of gallons of wastewater enter our waterways daily, threatening both human and environmental health, but there is hope if we act now,” he asserted.  

Prof. Samlafo proposed practical measures such as investing in wastewater treatment technologies, enforcing environmental regulations, and adopting innovative solutions to mitigate pollution. “Combating water pollution is not just an environmental necessity; it is an economic imperative,” he urged.

Adding a critical health dimension to the discussion, Dr. (Med.) Paulette Brown of the Effutu Municipal Health Directorate delivered a sobering account of the recent cholera outbreak in the Effutu Municipality. She linked the surge in cases to contaminated water sources and poor sanitation practices, sharing a harrowing story of a 17-year-old student who contracted cholera after using polluted seawater for personal hygiene.

“Effutu recorded over 586 cases and hundreds of contacts, all linked to unsafe water consumption and poor sanitation. Our sewage systems are failing us, with waste ending up in the very waters we depend on,” she stated. Dr. Paulette Brown called for collective responsibility in tackling waterborne diseases, emphasising that clean water was the cornerstone of public health.

The campaign concluded with a resounding call to action, urging all stakeholders—government agencies, community members, and individuals—to actively participate in preserving Ghana’s water resources. The UEW-led initiative is poised to serve as a model for environmental stewardship, reinforcing the university’s commitment to impactful research and community engagement.

As Ghana strives for a cleaner, healthier future, ��ɫ��Ƶstands at the forefront of this mission, proving that education is not just about knowledge but about meaningful change. The message from the university is clear: the time to act is now.