A delegation from Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has paid a working visit to the University of Ghana. The delegation led by the Chief of Staff at MCC, Ms. Lara Smith, was at the University to familiarize themselves with the progress made in the implementation of activities under the Race to Retrofits Programme and on the construction of the Primary Substation under Ghana’s Power Compact Programme. University of Ghana is one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Compact Programme with respect to the Race to Retrofits Programme and also from the Primary Substation and Inter-Connecting Circuits & Commercial Projects, hence the decision to visit the University.
Mr. Kenny Miller, Resident Country Director, in brief remarks disclosed that the visit was to receive briefing on how MCC funds in partnership with Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) had contributed to the project as well to assess the impact of United States’ investment in these type of programmes. He recounted that they had earlier inspected the Achimota Substation and other on-going projects at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital where similar interventions had been made. He expressed delight at the progress of work and the impact the project had already made at the University in terms of energy conservation.
In her remarks, Ms. Lara Smith expressed appreciation to the University for the warm reception. She was excited about the collaboration with other organizations to produce the exceptional outcome in spite of challenges. Commending MIDA for their hard work in the execution of the project, she added that this would serve a great opportunity to develop a template which could be used elsewhere.
Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs, in brief comments expressed immense appreciation to the MCC delegation for the visit and to MiDA for facilitating the execution of the project. She expressed her excitement for the privilege the University had to be part of the project. She disclosed that the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, has been very much concerned with energy conservation, therefore the project fits into the University’s aspiration of cutting down cost of energy for the university’s operations. She noted that as part of the project, the University had the opportunity to replace some fixtures including lighting system, air-conditioning, refrigerators and motion sensors in three main blocks of the University, i.e. Vice-Chancellor’s block, Academic Affairs and Great Hall.
Director for Physical Development and Municipal Services (PDMSD), Mr. Charles Kofinti disclosed that approximately 80% - 90% of work had been completed. He indicated that 500 energy saving lamps, 93 air conditioners and 70 ceiling fans had been installed as well as the supply of 15 low-energy refrigerators. He was enthusiastic that the next phase would continue in order for the impact of the project to be more tangible.
In a brief presentation on the energy monitoring system of the University, a representative from MIDA displayed in real time the consumption of energy in comparison with previous consumption prior to the installation of the energy-efficient appliances. He added that with the monitoring system, it was possible for University Management to observe and track units to ensure optimum utilization of energy resources.
Officials of the University present at the meeting was Prof. Daniel Asiedu, Provost, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Prof. Boateng Onwona-Agyeman, Dean, School of Engineering Sciences and Head of Vice-Chancellor’s Strategic Team on Energy, Mrs. Stella A. Amoa, Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Joseph Nkansah, Deputy Registrar, Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Mrs. Joanna Omaboe, Assistant Registrar, Public Affairs Directorate, Mrs. Mammie Nortey, ORID, Mr. George Wireko-Brobbey, Architect, Mr. Michael Terkper, Head of Electrical Section and project team from the Electricals and Refrigeration Units of PDMSD.
Other members of the delegation from MCC were Ms. Emily Davis, Vice President for Congressional and Public Affairs, Ms. Liz Feleke, Deputy Resident Country Director-Ghana and Mr. Thad Brock, Special Assistant, Office of the CEO. Officials from MiDA and other partner institutions who accompanied the delegation were Mr. Kwabena Agyeman, CEO, Maybert & Westar Engineering Mr. Albert Aboagye, CEO, Maybert & Westar Engineering, Mr. Fred Sarpong, Project Manager, Maybert & Westar Engineering, Mr. Richmond Owusu and Ms. Priscilla Adjei-Darko, MiDA, Ms. Faustina Afriyie, DESL Consulting firm, Mr. Sylvester Ayayee, EEDMS and Mr. Kwame Donkor, Site Engineer.
The delegation was later conducted around the project sites to see at first hand, some of the items that had been replaced with energy efficient units.
