Geographers asked to support government
Professor Seidu Al-hassan, the Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University for Development Studies (UDS), has called on the Ghana Geographical Association (GGA) to collaborate with government to expand the economy.
He said GGA should use scarce resources more efficiently and sustainably to enhance human development and improve the socio-economic conditions of the people.
Prof. Al-hassan made the call during GGA’s Annual National Conference organised in conjunction with the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) in Tamale.
The event, under the theme: “Actualization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The Role of the Geographer,” was to discuss ways of actualizing the SDGs with focus on the role of the geographer.
Prof. Al-hassan said government and other stakeholders needed to increase availability and wide distribution of basic life-sustaining goods such as health, and education to achieve the SDGs.
He said there was need for people to change their attitudes by avoiding corruption, being positive, action oriented, hardworking, respect for time and patriotism to achieve the SDGs.
Prof. Al-hassan urged government to localise the SDGs at the district level by setting relevant attainable targets adding that GGA had a strong role to play to ensure the actualisation of the SDGs.
Professor Martin Oteng-Ababio, the National President of GGA, gave the assurance that the Association would work with government to promote sustainable development, address climate change and improve livelihoods of the vulnerable.
Dr Emmanuel Abeere-inga, the Director of Infrastructure, Lands, Environment and Natural Resources of SADA, said SADA had been working with organisations such as the GGA on how best to achieve the SDGs and had put in place programmes to improve livelihoods of the savannah areas.
Source: GNA