President Akufo-Addo commissions University of Environmental Studies
The president has commissioned the University of Environment and Sustainable Development in Somanya in the Eastern Region
President Akufo-Addo has commissioned the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) in Somanya in the Eastern Region, and cut the sod for the start of phase two construction for the university.
Speaking at the ceremony on Wednesday 5 August 2020 in Somanya, President Akufo-Addo declared that UESD, funded through the Italian Export Credit Agency (SACE) and the German federal Deutsche Bank, is yet another example of the nation’s commitment to providing quality education and skills training for the Ghanaian people.
“Indeed, this is the first university in the country with the mandate to provide higher education [and] research and disseminate knowledge on matters of sustainable development, the protection of the environment and a focus on developing agribusiness,” he said.
Opportune moment
President Akufo-Addo continued, “At a time when the world’s attention is focused on the attainment of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, for which I currently serve as co-chair of the Eminent Group of Advocates, the establishment of UESD could not have come at a more opportune moment in our nation’s history.”
The president expressed the hope that as Ghana confronts problems of deforestation, coastal and marine resource degradation, destruction of biodiversity, climate change, pollution, sanitation and the phenomenon of illegal mining, UESD “will provide strategic leadership on environmental and sustainability issues, and grow quickly to become a centre of excellence in teaching and research in this very important niche area, not only in the country, but also on the continent and beyond”.
Set for rollout
Execution of phase one of construction work on the university cost the nation €45.575 million. The following facilities were commissioned inthe launch phase: a lecture hall and multipurpose auditorium for the School of Natural and Environmental Science; a laboratory building and faculty offices (administration block) for the School of Agriculture and Agro-Entrepreneurship Development; the vice-chancellor’s residence, the pro-vice chancellor’s residence and key officers’ homes.
Furthermore, the president said, GETFund has released money through the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE) for the payment of compensation to the original landowners. He told guests at the commissioning: “I have been assured that the outstanding amounts will be settled within the next two weeks.”
With the completion of this process, President Akufo-Addo noted that the stage is set for the rollout of phase two for the university. This will involve providing the following facilities: lecture halls, the main library, a laboratory, a football pitch, a handball/basketball court, a badminton court, a tennis court and a tartan track.
“The contract for phase two was signed on 6 May 2020. It is a turnkey contract agreement with M/S Contracta, valued at €49,891,098, to be completed within 30 months of signature of the agreement,” the president said.
Take-off in sight
He was also pleased to announce that the government, through the Ministry of Finance, has granted financial clearance to the university to recruit an initial 300 staff to enable its smooth take-off.
“The Interim Council is, moreover, expected to begin recruitment of its first batch of undergraduate students for the 2020/2021 academic year. I assure you that the government will continue to do all it can to help this university discharge its mandate, and grow to become a centre of excellence,” he said.
Indeed, the Ministry of Education, acting through the NCTE, is giving vital logistical support to the UESD, given the government’s commitment to provide seed money to allow the university to meet some of its most urgent operational needs.
Thanking the project contractor, Messrs Contracta Costruzioni, for its commitment to the assignment, the president expressed confidence that the next phase of the project will be carried out on time and on budget. This will enable the university to have the full complement of facilities to help it maximise its potential to deliver quality teaching and learning, as well as cutting-edge research, he said.
“Enhancing our nation’s human resource is key to the development and transformation of our nation. An education that will produce dedicated, determined and disciplined graduates, who will be eager and willing to participate in developing our beloved Ghana, and to become her patriotic future citizens, remains our objective,” he said.
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Wilberforce Asare / Asaase Radio
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