President Nana Akufo-Addo has commissioned the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) and cut the sod for the commencement of construction of Phase two of the University.
At the ceremony, on Wednesday, at Somanya in the Eastern Region, President Akufo-Addo said the University which was funded through the Italian Export Credit Agency, SACE, and the German bank, Deutsche Bank, is yet another example of the nation’s commitment to providing quality education and skills training for the Ghanaian people.
“Indeed, this is the first university in the country with the mandate to provide higher education, research and disseminate knowledge on matters of sustainable development, the protection of the environment, and a focus on developing agri-business.
“At a time when the world’s attention is focused on the attainment of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, for which I currently serve as co-Chair of the Eminent Group of Advocates, the establishment of UESD could not have come at a more opportune moment in our nation’s history,” he stated.
With the country confronted with issues of deforestation, coastal and marine resource degradation, destruction of our biodiversity, climate change, pollution, sanitation, and the phenomenon of illegal mining, the President was hopeful that UESD will provide strategic leadership on environmental and sustainability issues, and grow quickly to become a centre of excellence in teaching and research in this very important niche area, not only in the country, but also on the continent and beyond.
Execution of Phase One cost the nation €45,575,000.00 with the following facilities commissioned: lecture Hall for School of Natural and Environmental Science, a 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’ residencies.
Furthermore, the President indicated that GETFund has released money, through the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE) to compensate the original land owners, adding that “I have been assured that the outstanding amounts will be settled within the next two weeks”.
Following the completion of this process, President Akufo-Addo noted that the stage is now set for the rollout of Phase Two of the University, which will involve the provision of the following facilities:lecture halls;main library; laboratory; football pitch; handball/basketball court; badminton court; tennis court; and a tartan track.