On Thursday, 23 October 2025, the Vice-Chancellor of Sunyani Technical University (STU), Ing. Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, delivered a keynote address at the 2nd International Conference on Environment, Social, Governance and Sustainable Development of Africa (ICESDA-2025), held at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) Executive Conference Centre in Accra. Themed “From Cradle to Cradle: Putting ESG and Sustainability First in Africa’s Green Transition Effort,” the conference assembled academics, corporate executives, policymakers, and sustainability practitioners from across Africa and beyond.
In his presentation, Prof. Adinkrah-Appiah emphasised the pivotal role that universities such as STU play in shaping Africa’s sustainable development trajectory. He stated that while ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) frameworks are increasingly being adopted globally, the African context requires tailored strategies that integrate institutional governance, social inclusion, and environmental responsibility. Reflecting on STU’s mission, he highlighted the importance of equipping graduates with both technical skills and sustainability awareness, so they may drive green innovation within industry and society.
The Vice-Chancellor also underscored the need for stronger collaboration between academia, business, and government to catalyse Africa’s green transition. He observed that resource constraints, institutional inertia, and fragmented governance remain significant barriers and called for concerted investments in green infrastructure, inclusive education, and locally driven research. Referencing the “cradle to cradle” concept, he noted that circular economy practices must move from theory to implementation across African campuses, enterprises, and communities.
Prof. Adinkrah-Appiah further announced STU’s intention to strengthen its internal ESG credentials: expanding programmes that integrate sustainability across engineering, built environment, and applied sciences; promoting research in waste management, renewable energy, and social innovation; and facilitating industry-university partnerships that deliver measurable social and environmental outcomes.
The ICESDA-2025 event spanned two days and featured panel discussions, masterclasses, and a doctoral workshop, further reinforcing the conference theme by showcasing best practices in green governance, social enterprise, and climate-resilient infrastructure.