The Vice-Chancellor breaking grounds for the start of the project
Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor, has cut sod for phase one of the Ghana Universities Staff Superannuation Scheme (GUSSS) Students Hostel Project. The project site is located off the Annie Jiaggie Road behind Block B, of the Ghana Hostels.
The Vice-Chancellor remarked during the brief ceremony that the GUSSS Students Hostel Project is undoubtedly a commendable effort that will achieve numerous objectives, including providing the much-needed accommodation to meet the needs of the increasing student population.
Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor
“My sixth key strategic objective as Vice-Chancellor is to create a sense of ownership and commitment to promote creativity and innovation among students, faculty, staff, and alumni. I was, therefore, happy that the Superannuation Management Committee opted to construct and manage student hostels instead of looking for alternative investment opportunities to manage the GUSSS funds. This is certainly an initiative that demonstrates ownership and commitment to meeting the needs of the University”.
The Vice-Chancellor also revealed that there are currently ongoing projects to increase the stock of residential facilities available to students at the University of Ghana, including the 904-bed Africa Integras Hostel facility, being funded from the Infrastructural Development Fund, which is a pool of funds from the University's internally generated funds, a 424-bed capacity block to expand Bani Hostel, and 60 studio apartments for Ph.D. students.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo watering a seedling at the project site
Additionally, she extended her sincere gratitude to Prof. Kwadwo Owusu, the current Chairman of the Superannuation Management Committee, as well as to the former and present members of the Superannuation Management Committee for their efforts in advancing the project to that stage. She also wished them success in the project.
According to Prof. Kwadwo Owusu, Chairman of the Superannuation Management Committee, the first four-storey block will be completed in twelve (12) months. The first phase will provide five hundred and forty-four (544) beds for students. When completed, the entire project will serve a total of four thousand, one hundred and sixty (4,160) students.
The building plan and design was exhibited to guests at the commissioning
“It brings us great joy that at long last, we are cutting sod for this project,” he expressed.
Prof. Senadza thanked the University Management for the support and pledged on behalf of the Association, to totally support and commit to the project.
A cross-section of some senior University officials at the Ceremony
Also speaking, President of the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) - Legon Chapter, Mr. Michael Owusu Ansah while expressing joy at the commencement of the project appealed to Management and other stakeholders for continuous support to ensure that the other phases of the projects are started and completed on time.
Following the speeches, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, cut the sod to mark the start of the project and planted a tree at the site. Two other trees were planted by Prof. Senadza, on behalf of UTAG, while the Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah and Mr. Michael Owusu-Ansah jointly planted one on behalf of GAUA. The three trees are known as the "Tree of Life".
The ceremony was witnessed by Prof. Gordon Awandare, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Students Affairs; Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research Innovation and Development; Prof. Boateng Onwona-Agyeman, Provost, College of Basic and Applied Sciences; Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, Provost, College of Humanities, Former Registrar, Mrs. Mercy Haizel-Ashia, some Administrative Directors and members of UTAG and GAUA.
A group photo of dignitaries at the sod-cutting ceremony
Consultants of the project, FAS Consult, and Contractors, M/S Freemaks Company Limited were also present and assured management of giving their best to the successful completion of the project and on schedule.
The GUSSS Hostel Project consists of ten (10) Type A and ten (10) Type B four-storey blocks. Type A blocks are flats, and Type B blocks are ensuite rooms. Type A blocks will each provide accommodation for two hundred and eighty-eight (288) students whilst each Type B block will provide accommodation for one hundred and twenty-eight (128) students. Therefore, the ten (10) Type A blocks will provide accommodation for 2,880 students; and ten (10) Type B blocks will provide 1,280 beds for students. Thus, overall, a total of 4,160 beds will be available to students. The construction of the Student Hostel would be in three phases. Phase One is divided into three Lots, Lot I, II, and III and will provide 544 beds.
