The government has resumed construction of a multi-complex science laboratory at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), Navrongo, following the inclusion of the abandoned project in its inventory of stalled government projects.
President John Dramani Mahama, who inspected the project during a working visit to the Upper East Region, said the project was among several abandoned projects the government had identified for completion as part of its commitment to ensure that investments made with taxpayers’ money were put to productive use.
According to the President, the laboratory project commenced in 2016 and reached a certain stage before it was abandoned after his administration left office.
He said upon returning to office, the government undertook an inventory of abandoned projects and included the UTAS science laboratory among projects to be revived and completed.
“We have therefore provided funding for the work to resume, and I am happy to see that the project is progressing again,” President Mahama said.
He described the laboratory as an important facility for the university, given UTAS’s focus on applied sciences and the need for adequate laboratory facilities to support practical teaching and learning.
President Mahama said the facility, once completed, would provide students with the infrastructure required for their science-based programmes and enhance the university’s capacity to train professionals in science and technology.
He said the Vice-Chancellor had assured him that the project was progressing according to schedule and was expected to be handed over next year.
“From next year, you should have a first-class laboratory that will support teaching and learning and provide students with the facilities they need for their science-based programmes,” he said.
The President also drew the attention of the Minister and Deputy Minister for Roads to a request by the university for the development of about five kilometres of internal roads which, according to the Vice-Chancellor, had not yet been engineered.
He directed the Roads Ministry to include the roads in its inventory and take steps to engage a contractor for the work.
President Mahama said the development of UTAS was important to the country’s efforts to produce more engineers, scientists and technologists to meet the changing demands of the global economy.
He noted that the business world was increasingly seeking professionals with strong science and technology backgrounds, making it necessary for universities offering science and technology-oriented programmes to receive adequate support.
“Universities like this should therefore be a priority for us so that we can expand them and bring more of our young people into science-based courses,” he said.
President Mahama assured the Vice-Chancellor of government’s support to transform UTAS into a first-class university of excellence.
He also pledged government’s support for the university’s efforts to establish a medical school, saying the expansion of medical education was necessary to increase the number of doctors available to serve Ghana and other countries.
“We will also support and follow your efforts towards the establishment of the medical school,” the President said.
He said the government wanted more universities to train doctors to help address the country’s healthcare needs while creating opportunities for Ghanaian medical professionals to contribute to healthcare delivery beyond the country.
The resumption of the UTAS science laboratory project forms part of the government’s broader policy of completing abandoned projects and ensuring that public investments yield the intended benefits to citizens.