The Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), has released funds for the construction of a four hundred and forty (440)-bed capacity hostel facility for the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) at the cost of forty-four (44) million cedis. This was disclosed when the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson appended his signature to kick-start the project at a short meeting held in the Council Chamber on 9th January, 2024.
The project, which is being facilitated by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), was witnessed by the Director of Administration, GTEC, Mr. Saaka Sayuti accompanied by the Head of GETFund Projects at GTEC, Mr. Anthony Debre and other team members. From the UESD side were: the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edward Wiafe Debrah; Registrar, Mrs Mary Abena Agyepong; Finance Director, Mr. Baffuor Awuah Kwabi; Deans of the School of Sustainable Development (SSD) and the School of Natural and Enviromental Sciences (SNES) and some senior members.
In an address, the Director of Administration, GTEC, Mr. Sayauti said, UESD was among four universities selected for the construction of hostel facilities. He stated that the Vice-President and Finance Minister, who are committed to the success of project, ensured that the relevant documentation was in place before the project began.
Mr. Sayauti said, the funds for the execution of the project has already been secured for it to commence. Adding that the delegation’s sole aim was to hand over the project sight to the contractor together with UESD Management for work to commence.
The Head of GETFund Projects at GTEC, Mr. Anthony Debre, stated that the issue of infrastructure, particularly hostel facilities, has been a source of concern because it is the low-hanging fruit that will generate cash and attract students. He stated that if a university does not have students, it will not be appealing to the private sector to invest in hostel facilities.
In his comments, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nyarko-Sampson expressed excitement about the project. He said, UESD is a young university, and its ability to accommodate students on campus is critical.
He welcomed the project contractor, Mr. Frank Otoo of Halfast Ltd, and stated that he had received reports on his excellent work for other universities. Prof. Nyarko-Sampson urged him to see the project as an opportunity to produce a high-quality work of art while simultaneously writing his mark on the walls of UESD, which is always growing and developing. He expressed the hope that the contractor will complete the project within the time frame of 18 months.
The Vice-Chancellor later led the team to inspect the site and handed it over to the contractor.
The Contractor gave the assurance that he would do all in his power to complete the project within the scheduled time.
