The government remains committed to investing in education at all levels with particular emphasis on tertiary education.
This is because it sees tertiary education as the driver of innovation, skills development and national competitiveness.
It has, therefore, decided to commit significant resources to expand access, improve infrastructure and enhance teaching and learning outcomes in tertiary institutions.
The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, made this known in an address read for him at the official commissioning of a hostel facility for the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) School of Railways and Infrastructure Development at Essikado.
The 540-bed ‘Block A’ hostel named after Nana Kobina Nketsia V, Paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional Area, which is located at the UMaT Essikado campus, was constructed by Justmoh Hostels Limited.
The minister said government recognises the growing demand for tertiary education, which has put pressure on existing infrastructure.
He stated, “It is in this regard that private sector participation becomes not only relevant but indispensable.”
He, therefore, commended Justmoh Hostels Limited for the initiative, by providing decent accommodation to complement government’s efforts to improve learning conditions in schools.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Justmoh Hostels Limited, Dr. Justice Amoh, noted that the hostel, which is the first of about four to be built on the campus, would help meet the accommodation needs of the students.
“The hostels are my humble contribution to reducing the burden,” he pointed out.
He revealed that the project has spaces for religious and recreation activities as well as healthcare delivery and counseling centre for students.
The Vice Chancellor of UMaT, Prof. Richard Kwasi Amankwah, appealed to the Ghana Health Service to hand over the Kojokrom Health Centre in the area to the institution to operate, to serve the students and the community.
He also pleaded with government to initiate the necessary processes to hand over the land on which the institution is located to UMaT, to help attract investors.
He explained, “When investors come they ask for land title deed, which we do not have, because the land does not belong to us.”
The former Minister for Railway Development, Joe Ghartey, whose initiative brought the establishment of the School of Railway Development, remarked, “People will always remember you for the good things you have done.”
Nana Kobina Nketsia V was hopeful that the UMaT School of Railway Development will churn out engineers who will help revive the railway sector.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Essikado
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