Radiant smiles illuminated the faces of vendors, staff and students alike, as the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, officially commissioned the refurbished Night Market.
The brief ceremony celebrated the culmination of efforts by the University of Ghana's Physical Development and Municipal Services Directorate (PDMSD) to refurbish the market.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Peter Abalansah, Acting Director of PDMSD, recounted the challenges encountered during the project's initial phases, including issues with the original contractor. “Unfortunately, the original contractor was unable to meet the contractual obligations, leading to the termination of the agreement after a three-month period,” he explained.
Mr. Peter Abalansah, Acting Director of PDMSD
Highlighting the collaborative efforts of the Logistics Directorate and Procurement Unit, Mr. Abalansah announced the time constraints faced by PDMSD in completing the refurbishment, especially with the ongoing 2023 African Games adding pressure to efforts to complete the project in time.
Prof. Martin Oteng Ababio, Chair of the PDMSD Reorganising Committee, praised the proactive decision of University Management to refurbish the market, citing concerns over its deteriorated condition and the potential for future epidemics. He pledged the Committee's commitment to establishing a maintenance committee to ensure the ongoing upkeep of the facility.
Prof. Martin Oteng Ababio, Chair of the PDMSD Reorganising Committee
Expressing dissatisfaction with the previous state of the market, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, stressed the necessity of renovations to address issues such as flooding. She commended PDMSD for their efforts in completing the project after setbacks with previous contractors and underscored the importance of maintaining the refurbished market for the benefit of students and stakeholders.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo
Following a prayer led by Rev. Father Michael Kodzo Mensah, Lecturer, Department for the Study of Religions, the Vice-Chancellor cut a ribbon to symbolise the formal opening of the facility. Rev. Dr. N. Israel Nii-Trebi, a member of the UG Chaplaincy Board, concluded the event with a closing prayer.
Rev. Father Michael Kodzo Mensah, Lecturer, Department for the Study of Religions
Madam Joyce Appiah, one of the leaders of the vendors at the night market, expressed gratitude to University Management for their support and assured the University of their commitment to maintaining the facility.
Madam Joyce Appiah
The event included an extensive tour of the renovated facility led by Mr. Michael Melomey, the Project Manager. The upgraded space now features 80 cubicles, including 36 food stalls, 20 for fruits and vegetable sellers and 24 new shops as well as washrooms.
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Gordon Awandare; Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah; Director of Finance, Mrs. Bernice Agudu; Provost, College of Education, Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe; Provost, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Prof. Boateng Onwona-Agyeman; Acting Legal Counsel, Dr. Abdul Baasit Aziz Bamba; Chief Information Technology Officer, Mr. Francis Boachie and Director, Public Affairs Directorate, Dr. Elizier T. Ameyaw-Buronyah, were in attendance at the ceremony. University staff, students and vendors also joined the gathering.
