The Current State of Sustainable Development in Ghanaian Technical Universities

Abstract

Our sustainable future is currently not clear as we continue to unsustainably use our natural resources for modern civilization, urbanization and technological advancement. The need for change in attitude towards the environment and a diligent search for using the environment sustainably are therefore, on the lips of everyone. Universities however, are especially placed in the diligent search for sustaining the environment given their combined mission of research, civic education and engagement. The purpose of this article therefore, was to find out the extent to which Ghanaian Technical University (GTUs) are fulfilling this role. The study design was descriptive. Data was gathered from four GTUs using semi-structured questionnaires. The quantitative component, measured on a three-point Likert scale was analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentages) with the help of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The qualitative component was analyzed using thematic analysis. One of the key findings of the study was that, although energy and water sustainability were generally part of the competencies required of student, sustainable projects, pollution management, recycling and the use of sustainable building materials were rarely considered. A key recommendation was that energy and water conservation and development issues should be made part of the range of courses offered by technical universities.