As part of its commitment to fostering youth leadership in scientific research and environmental sustainability, the members of the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) donated laboratory and field equipment worth GH¢100,000 to their Alma mater, the Department of Environmental Science of the University of Cape Coast. This generous contribution is the first of its kind since the establishment of the Department in 2002. This serves as an opportunity to highlight the importance of practical skills and research experience for students, showcasing how such equipment can transform learning and discovery processes.
This initiative was headed by the founders of GAYO, who are distinguished alumni of the Department, Joshua Amponsem and Desmond Alugnoa, from the graduating class of 2015. It was supported by Betty Osei Bonsu and Nana Minta Asiedu Ampadu-Minta, from the graduating class of 2018 and 2020 respectively.
Ahead of this donation, a symposium was held on the theme, “Advancing Science, Enriching Futures: Honoring GAYO’s Commitment and Support”. During the symposium, Joshua Amponsem, in his keynote address emphasized the need of building the capacities of the youth to lead and actively involve themselves in initiatives that drive real, tangible change. He expressed GAYO’s commitment to cultivating a generation of leaders whose actions speak louder than words, and whose impact is far beyond the confines of the campus walls. He also revealed plans for the establishment of a Climate Research Student Fund initiative soon. “This initiative will be dedicated to supporting undergraduate and postgraduate students in their research and project work, fostering a culture of academic excellence,” he said.
The Head of the Department of Environmental Science, Dr. Ernest Afrifa, emphasized equipment’s crucial role in empowering researchers. He stressed that the availability of essential tools enhances technical competence, facilitates comprehensive training, and enables the generation of accurate and reliable research data. He appealed to corporate organizations and philanthropists to collaborate in formulating strategies to transform unused laboratories into fully equipped functional spaces that meet the needs of the department.
On behalf of the department, Prof. Aaron Asare, the Dean of the School of Biological Sciences, expressed his gratitude to GAYO for their outstanding contribution. He also assured that the donated equipment would be used effectively by the students.
The donation ceremony witnessed the presentation of various essential equipment including a Benchtop DOPH conductivity meter, a Turbidity meter, a Handheld PH conductivity meter, a distillation plant, an assortment of glassware, beakers of diverse volumes, and test tubes, among others. These state-of-the-art laboratory and field equipment will significantly bolster the department’s capacity to conduct cutting-edge research and provide students with a comprehensive educational experience.
To mark this significant donation, the department unveiled a plaque at the ENNSA laboratory in honor of GAYO, acknowledging their invaluable support and dedication to advancing environmental science education and research.
