Vice-President Performs Groundbreaking for New College Buildings

His Excellency Kwesi Amissah-Arthur watering a plant at the building site

The Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Kwesi Amissah-Arthur has performed the groundbreaking for the commencement of work on the construction of academic buildings for the University of Ghana.

The buildings consist of academic facilities for the College of Humanities, College of Education, College of Basic and Applied Sciences and the Institute of Technology and Applied Science, as well as a new facility for the College of Health Sciences to be located near the new teaching hospital on campus. The project also includes a 1,000 bed students’ hostel facility for undergraduate and graduate students mostly from the College of Health Sciences.

The ceremony which was performed at the site for the College of Humanities building was attended by the Chairman of the University Council, Honourable Justice Samuel Kofi Date-Bah, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor in charge of Research Innovation and Development, Prof. John O. Gyapong, the Registrar, Mrs. Mercy Haizel-Ashia. Provosts, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, students and staff of the University.

His Excellency Kwesi Amissah-Arthur

His Excellency Kwesi Amissah-Arthur lauded the University Council for spearheading the commencement of the Project. He emphasised the need for more public-private partnerships as this will help to accelerate growth and development and pledged the government’s continual support towards the University’s undertakings.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ernest Aryeetey

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ernest Aryeetey in his welcome address called on Management to focus on the efficient and effective running of the facilities, which when completed, will become the University’s single largest infrastructure since its inception. He said the buildings were significant because on the implementation of the collegiate system, the University agreed to put up the facilities that will enhance collaboration among the various disciplines in each College. This, he noted would help the University achieve its vision to become a research intensive university.

Prof. Aryeetey was grateful to Africa Integras for partnering the University on the project after two years of negotiations. He also expressed gratitude to the University Council, the Finance Directorate and the Ministry of Finance for their support towards the initiative.

Ms. Andrea Pizziconi, the CEO of Africa Integras

Ms. Andrea Pizziconi, the CEO of Africa Integras, noted that the organization was proud to be associated with the University, emphasizing that Africa Integras will remain committed to supporting infrastructural development in the University. She indicated that the project will create more jobs especially during the construction period, and create an environment for the training of more graduates. She said due to the credibility of the University of Ghana there was overwhelming interest from investors for the project. She expressed her appreciation to all the other partners who have worked hard to ensure the deadlines set are achieved.

Mr. Carlos Sousa, Site Contractor

The Project Contractor Mr. Carlos Sousa, also thanked the University for entrusting his company with the construction work, adding that, his team would endeavour to complete the project within the stipulated time.

The  project agreement which was signed in June 2015 between University of Ghana and Africa Integras, is structured as a 25-year Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT).

 

Members of the University community and guests seated at the ceremony

            

          

Provosts of the four Colleges planting royal palm seedlings at the project site