$60m UHAS phase II project ready after Akufo-Addo cut sod in 2021

Three years since the groundbreaking ceremony to commence the construction of Phase II of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho, the facility is ready for commissioning.

The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Friday, September 10, 2021 broke ground for work to start on the $60 million project.

Phase II is designed to house the Central Administration of the University and the School of Nursing and Midwifery (SONAM).

The project also includes classroom blocks, a library, laboratories, an auditorium, a student activity centre and a cafeteria.

These additions are expected to enhance the university’s capability to deliver top-tier education and foster an environment conducive to learning and innovation.

The design and planning phases saw extensive collaboration between the China Urban Construction Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd. (CUCD) and the technical staff of UHAS, ensuring that the project met the highest standards.

The government says the project symbolises not only an expansion in infrastructure but also a commitment to advancing healthcare education and services in the region.

FUNDING

The commencement of work on the second phase of the UHAS project followed the signing of the exchange of notes on January 11, 2019, between then Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, and the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana to secure $60 million for the construction.

The signing of the financial agreement marked the beginning of the journey for the university, setting the stage for a transformative project that would elevate the university’s stature and impact.

President Akufo-Addo’s administration provided GH¢6.2 million in counterpart funding for essential preliminary works.

These works included extending electricity, municipal water supply, and constructing necessary infrastructure, underscoring the government’s dedication to supporting educational development and infrastructure.

Also, the first phase of the University Project was funded by the Chinese Government through its development agency, China AID, at a cost of 104,850,000 RMB (Chinese Yuan), equivalent to approximately $16 million.

The facilities present at the time included an administration block, classrooms, a library, laboratories, an auditorium, a student activity centre, and a cafeteria for the School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences.

HONORARY DEGREE

In a related development, the university is set to honour President Akufo-Addo with an Honorary Doctor of Science degree (honoris causa).

According to a statement from the University of Health and Allied Sciences, in Ho, the honour is in recognition of President Akufo-Addo’s significant contributions to science education in Ghana.

The special congregation ceremony is scheduled to take place on July 29 at the university’s Cedi Auditorium, Main Campus, Sokode-Lokoe.

In a press release signed by Mrs. Maria Gwira, Director of Public Affairs, UHAS announced that the University Council approved the decision to honour President Akufo-Addo for his exemplary leadership in making science education more accessible to Ghanaian families.

The statement also noted the establishment of several STEM-focused senior High Schools across the country as part of the president’s educational initiatives as the reason for the recognition, as well as the completion of the UHAS China-aided Phase 2 expansion project.

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