By Stanley Senya
Accra, June 28, GNA- St. Augustine’s College has launched Environmental and Health Sustainability Day to reflect the school’s deepening commitment to climate action, sanitation, and sustainable development education.
The event brought together a diverse group of leaders and stakeholders, including the Metropolitan Archbishop and Patron of the College, Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, who delivered an address challenging students to become leaders of a “green legacy.”
He decried the unsanitary conditions on campus and urged students to make St. Augustine’s and Ghana a model of environmental consciousness in alignment with World Environment Day ideals.
In his welcome address, Rev. Fr. Dr. Patrick Godfred Appiah, Headmaster of the College, emphasized that environmental sustainability and sanitation are integral pillars of his leadership.
He called for urgent efforts to embed ecological responsibility in the mindset of students, framing it as essential to securing a vibrant future for the school and society.
The day was marked by a series of impactful activities. The “Kick Plastic Out” campaign featured educational talks on the hazards of plastic waste and the importance of recycling, followed by a campus-wide clean-up that visibly demonstrated students’ commitment to reducing pollution.
The “Plant More Trees” initiative saw students and staff engage in tree-planting exercises while learning about the role of afforestation in climate resilience.
The “Promote Hygiene” programme offered practical training on handwashing, sanitation, and the role of personal hygiene in disease prevention, led by health experts including Madam Dora Jones, Deputy Director of Nursing Services, and Mr. Aaron Essuman.
Echoing the day’s core message, Rev. Fr. Stephen Amoah-Gyasi delivered a spiritual perspective, urging students to see environmental care as a divine duty.
Nana Afia Brenya Hodibert from the Forestry Services Commission stressed the importance of trees in air purification and environmental health.
Her address, rich with memorable slogans like “When the last tree dies, the last man dies,” called on students to act with discipline and intention in their green efforts.
Rev. Abban on behalf of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) donated 20 litter bins on behalf of the group to support the College’s sanitation improvement campaign.
The Environmental Sustainability Club, formed by the Assistant Headmaster Domestic, also took center stage with original poetry performances on themes of plastic use, deforestation, and nature preservation, capturing the imagination of peers and guests alike.
“We believe that by educating our youth today, we are building a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone,” said Rev. Fr. Dr. Appiah in his closing remarks.
The College expressed gratitude to all guests, volunteers, and partners who contributed to the success of the event, vowing to institutionalize the Environmental and Health Sustainability Day as an annual celebration of eco-leadership and community health.
GNA
Christian Akorlie
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
