The Minister of Education, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has confirmed the NPP government will continue to deliver on its commitment to education at all levels as an important lever for meeting the development aspirations of the Ghanaians.
The Minister made these remarks at a ceremony to commission Phase One of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) and the sod-cutting for Phase Two of the same project at the university campus at Somanya in the Eastern Region.
Speaking at the ceremony, he said “It is a matter of pride to note that as we approach the General Elections of 2020, education features prominently in our national conversation. Our record on education and indeed other sectors is admirable, and we look forward to an even more vigorous issues-based campaign”
He further explained that under Phase One of the project, facilities such as; Lecture Hall for School of Natural and Environmental Science, Multi-Purpose Auditorium for School of Natural and Environmental Science, Laboratory Building for School of Agriculture and Agro-Entrepreneurship Development, Faculty Offices (Administration Block) for School of Agriculture and Agro-Entrepreneurship Development, Vice Chancellor's Residency, Pro Vice Chancellors' Residency and Key Officers' Residency.
According to the Minister, the cost of the phase is estimated at Forty-five million, Five Hundred and Seventy-five Thousand Euros (€45,575,000.00).
This is under a Commercial Agreement with M/S Contracta Construzione through Financing Agreements with the Deutsche Bank S.p.A and the Export Credit Guarantee from Italy.
Official commencement date for the project was set at January 9, 2018 and was completed on 21st October, 2019.
He said "Phase Two involves the provision of the following facilities: Lecture Halls, Main Library, Laboratory, Football Pitch, Handball/Basket Ball, Badminton, Tennis Court and Tartan Track.
The Contract agreement was signed on 6th May, 2020. The EPC/Turnkey Contract Agreement with M/S Contracta is valued at Forty-nine million, Eight Hundred and Ninety-one Thousand, Ninety-eight Euros (€49,891,098.00) for completion within 30 months.
The loan agreement was signed in 2018.
The project consists of a Building Construction Works, Provision of Equipment, Capacity Building, Post-project Operational Support and Consulting Services.
President Akufo-Addo announced that government, through the Ministry of Finance,
has granted financial clearance to the university to recruit an initial 300 staff members to enable its smooth take-off.
The Interim Council is also expected to commence recruitment of its first batch of undergraduate students for the 2020/2021 academic year.
Present at the ceremony were Government Ministers, Members of Parliament, Officials from the Ministry of Education and its agencies, University Officials, Traditional Rulers, Clergymen and a cross-section of the Ghanaian public.
Below are pictures:
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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