The University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA) has commissioned its new ultra-modern 1,664-bed hostel for students at the University.
Unveiling the plaque to commission the facility for use was the Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum on Tuesday, March 14, 2023.
Speaking on behalf of the President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr. Yaw Adutwum noted government’s recognition of the university’s vision and tenacity in providing infrastructural development for its growing student population and faculty. The President also, in the speech read on his behalf, commended the university for its continuous zeal for improvement.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in the speech read on his behalf, stressed on government’s awareness about the infrastructural deficit in Ghana’s educational sector, hence, pointed out that although government was doing its part by investing heavily in education, it would still need to collaborate with institutions such as UPSA and the private sector in order to provide quality and universal access to education.
“In an era where the Free Senior High School [policy] continues to churn out large numbers of high school graduates, it has become very challenging for qualified graduates to be admitted to various tertiary institutions due to limited infrastructure and resources.”
Dr. Adutwum
Continuing, Dr. Adutwum stated that government has recognized the sustainable growth of the university over the years, with this growth rewarded with increased student enrolment and market-driven programmes worthy of the job markets.
“UPSA has [also] been consistent in the expansion and continuous improvement in providing teaching and learning as well as accommodation facilities to give students a memorable experience on campus.
“This institution’s progressive and resilient nature in funding these projects are worthy of being emulated by all tertiary institutions in Ghana, [and] I hope that many more public and private universities will emulate your example by adding to their infrastructure without relying solely on government.”
Dr. Adutwum
UPSA appeals to government for infrastructural support
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof Abednego F. O. Amartey, Vice-Chancellor of the university, appealed to the government to support the infrastructural efforts of the University by constructing a drainage system and providing street lights around the hostel.
“This is to keep the students safe and to protect our community from rain and other drain-related issues.”
Prof. Amartey
Moreover, Prof. Amartey disclosed that funding the construction of the hostel, together with other infrastructural developments, using internally generated funds from the University, demonstrates the commitment of UPSA to self-sustenance and building a Ghana beyond aid agenda, espoused and championed by the President of the Republic.
“Today, our collective efforts have been crystallized into what this edifice represents.”
Prof. Amartey
Directing his attention to the users of the facility, that is, the students and hostel mangers, he charged them to put the facility to good use while ensuring the conservation of energy.
On his part, the chairman of the governing council of UPSA, Dr. Kofi Ohene-Konadu, expressed his appreciation to the President of the Republic for his personal intervention in securing the land and the necessary clearance from the appropriate ministry to make room for the construction of the hostel.
The newly constructed 10-storey hostel was financed through the University’s internally generated funds and named after the designer of Ghana’s Coat of Arms, Nii Amon Kotei.
The ultra-modern hostel has facilities such as a recreational area, study/reading rooms, Junior Common Rooms (JCR), a laundry area, TV rooms, automated teller machines (ATM), a modern security system, CCTV cameras, an elevator, and other auxiliary amenities.
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