UEW Equips Geography Students with Legal Knowledge to Expand Career Opportunities

Chairing the programme on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Esther Yeboah Danso-Wiredu, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, said universities must prepare students for an increasingly dynamic world by exposing them to interdisciplinary knowledge and practical experiences that broaden their career prospects. She observed that geography intersects with law through land administration, environmental protection, migration, urban planning and governance, making legal knowledge an invaluable asset for graduates.

She reaffirmed UEW's commitment to producing competent, innovative and socially responsible professionals equipped with the skills and networks needed to excel in diverse careers.

Prof. Anselm Komla Abotsi, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Education, commended the Geography Students' Association for initiating what he described as a forward looking academic programme that reflect leadership and innovation among students. He explained that geography and law are closely connected through issues relating to people, resources, governance and the environment. He stressed that legal literacy has become an indispensable tool for professionals.

He urged students to view the law as an instrument for leadership, justice and social transformation and to take advantage of the conference by engaging the resource persons and exploring new career opportunities.

Prof. Adjoa Afriyie Poku, the Head of the Department of Geography Education, said the conference was designed to bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice by exposing students to experienced personalities from the legal, political and governance sectors.

She noted that the initiative would strengthen students' understanding of constitutional democracy, the rule of law, civic responsibility and ethical leadership while encouraging them to become active contributors to national development.

Delivering the keynote address, His Lordship Justice Alexander Graham of the High Court of Ghana underscored the growing importance of legal knowledge across all professions. He described it as a necessity rather than a luxury. He encouraged students to cultivate discipline, develop a strong reading culture and embrace lifelong learning. He added that professionals in every field encounter legal issues and must understand the legal frameworks governing their work.

He further urged the Department to strengthen legal awareness by introducing aspects of laws relating to environmental management, land administration and professional practice.

Hon. Abdul Aziz Fatahiya, the Member of Parliament for Savelugu, representing the Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, urged students to familiarise themselves with Ghana's Constitution, labour laws and other regulatory frameworks that would shape their professional lives.

She said legal literacy empowers citizens to protect their rights, participate meaningfully in democratic governance and contribute responsibly to national development. She encouraged students to combine professional competence with integrity and ethical leadership while taking advantage of networking opportunities to advance their careers.

Prof. Lucy Effeh Attom, the Dean of the Faculty of Liberal and Social Studies Education, said the programme had demonstrated the relevance of law to every profession and challenged students to appreciate the legal dimensions of their academic discipline.

She encouraged participants to sustain their interest in constitutional and legal issues. She stressed that an understanding of the law would enable them to make informed decisions, serve their communities effectively and excel in their chosen careers.

The conference reaffirmed UEW's commitment to delivering transformative education that combines academic excellence with practical exposure, interdisciplinary learning and professional development to prepare graduates for leadership and national development.