Ghana is set to benefit from the implementation of the European Union co-funded €1 million project titled Improving Study Programs in Ghana by Introducing Green Solutions, Sustainability Modules and Digital Transformation (ImPreSSion). The initiative, which runs for three years, is designed to strengthen the country’s education system in key areas of energy, water, and agriculture while supporting progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mr. Florian Balmes, the Project Director, said the project would place Ghana in a strong position to achieve SDG Goals 2, 6 and 7, which focus on ending hunger, improving access to clean water and sanitation, and ensuring affordable and clean energy by 2030. With only five years left to meet the UN’s global targets, he noted that the issues of clean water, energy and food security remain central to sustainable development.
According to him, Ghana was selected for the project because of its diverse ecological zones and the challenges it faces with climate change. While some parts of the country struggle with flooding, others are affected by drought, making water and energy management even more critical. He explained that the consortium recognised Ghana’s growing population and economy, which make it an ideal location to implement a project that can drive practical solutions in sustainability.
“There will be a great impact because we need energy for offering clean water to local communities and, at the same time, we need water for sustainable agriculture. We are happy this consortium is set in Ghana,” Mr. Balmes said.
The ImPreSSion project will update and improve three academic programmes in three Ghanaian public universities. The University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) will focus on energy, the University of Ghana (UG) will lead on water, while the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) will take charge of agriculture. By enhancing curriculum content, teaching skills, and infrastructure, the project aims to produce graduates who are better equipped for the labour market and capable of tackling real-world challenges in the three sectors.
Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako, the Vice Chancellor of UENR, described the project as a timely intervention. He explained that UENR is committed to building partnerships and developing innovative programmes to address emerging challenges in Ghana’s development. He noted that agriculture, water, and energy are critical to the nation’s future and praised the EU for supporting the project.
Professor Nana Sarfo Agyeman Derkyi, UENR’s Pro Vice Chancellor and Project Lead, added that Ghana’s rapid population growth and economic progress present both opportunities and challenges. He said the project would not only help the universities produce skilled graduates but also ensure that young people are equipped with knowledge to drive solutions in food security, clean energy, and sustainable water use.
Stakeholders say the ImPreSSion project is significant because it combines education, sustainability, and digital transformation in addressing Ghana’s pressing developmental needs. By embedding green solutions and sustainability modules in higher education, the programme will help students understand how to apply modern technology to agriculture, renewable energy, and water management.
Experts also believe the project will support Ghana’s efforts to tackle climate change. By linking water, food and energy, the initiative promotes an integrated approach that could reduce the risks of drought, improve resilience against flooding, and create opportunities for cleaner energy adoption.
Mr. Balmes expressed optimism that the project would have lasting impact, not only in Ghana but across West Africa. He explained that by preparing graduates for the job market, ImPreSSion would contribute to building a generation of professionals who can lead sustainable development in the region.
The project is expected to provide modern teaching facilities, research opportunities, and international collaboration for the participating universities. It will also expose students and lecturers to global best practices, creating a pathway for Ghana to become a hub for sustainability-driven education in Africa.
