UEW Hosts National Chemistry Conference on Green Innovations
The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) hosted a powerful gathering of scientific minds and future change-makers during the 25th Annual Ghana Students Chemical Society (GSCS) National Conference, under the theme “Safeguarding the Environment Through Green Chemistry.”
Held at the North Campus Mini-Conference Room on Friday, 18th July 2025, the landmark event brought together chemistry students, lecturers and distinguished researchers from across Ghana to explore the transformative force of chemistry for sustainable development.
The event was chaired by Prof. Arkoful Sam, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Science Education (FSE). Prof. Sam emphasised that chemistry is not just a discipline but a call to action; “Let your molecules speak and matter to the world. Let your reactions ripple outwards to communities, policymakers and generations to come. When chemistry meets compassion, sustainability is not a dream—it is a formula,” he declared.
Prof. Arkoful Sam inspired the audience: “Let our lab benches become platforms for planetary healing.”
Prof. Emmanuel K. Oppong, Head of the Department of Chemistry Education, welcomed participants with a passionate call to contextualise the environmental crisis within Ghana’s reality. He highlighted the urgent need to address illegal mining, water pollution and the degradation of natural ecosystems, reminding attendees that even fungi and plants are evolving ways to extract and manage natural resources more sustainably than humans currently do.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. (Mrs.) Charity Esenam Anor, a lecturer at UEW, energised the audience with a comprehensive breakdown of the 12 principles of green chemistry and their application in daily life. Her presentation highlighted examples ranging from biodegradable packaging to the use of ethanol and safe solvents, reinforcing that “Indigenous knowledge is green. We must not look outside for all solutions—our traditions and resources are filled with untapped innovation.”
She also called for stronger policies, more inclusive education and a deliberate effort to empower students and marginalised communities to be champions of sustainability.
Other speakers included Dr. Michael Baah Mensah from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), who presented compelling case studies on converting waste to wealth. Using vivid examples from e-waste, agri-waste and plastic recycling, he showed how chemistry can create economic value while solving environmental issues. “Waste is not just trash; it is an opportunity,” he said, urging students to see problems as potential business ventures.
Prof. Lawrence Sheringham Borquaye of KNUST closed the presentations with a powerful session on education and policy, challenging educators and students to integrate sustainability into all aspects of research and learning. “It is impossible to change tomorrow’s chemistry with yesterday’s curriculum,” he warned, urging curriculum reforms that embed sustainability and interdisciplinary thinking at their core.
GSCS-UEW Chapter President Isaac Attakumah also emphasised the conference’s mission of professional development, knowledge exchange and networking. “This is where future collaborations are born and lifelong relationships are forged,” he said.
The event was marked by a sense of community and shared responsibility with institutions such as KNUST, the University of Cape Coast and the University of Ghana represented.
The conference reaffirmed UEW’s position as a national leader in sustainability-driven education and research, offering a blueprint for how science, policy and indigenous knowledge can work together to safeguard Ghana’s environment for generations to come.
