By | 15 November 2019

The University of Ghana Construction of the Commonwealth Hall Annex Project has commenced

Vice Chancellor Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu planting a tree to commemorate the event

A sod-turning ceremony has taken place at the Commonwealth Hall, University of Ghana, to commence the construction of an annex to accommodate more students.

Prof. Frank K. Nyame, Hall Master, Commonwealth Hall in his welcome address, noted that the hall had not seen any expansion in respect of additional rooms since it was established in 1956. He was delighted that the long-awaited extension project had finally seen the light of day.

Prof. Frank K. Nyame, Hall Master, Commonwealth Hall

Mr. Isaac Nketia Sarpong, President of the Old Vandals Association (OVA), indicated that the project is estimated at USD$42 million to comprise 4, 660 beds, a 1,000 seat auditorium, a mini shopping mall, gymnasium, among other facilities, and was expected to be completed within 2 years.

He expressed immense appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and Senior Management of the University, as well as the past and present Masters of the Hall, for the massive support towards the project over the years. He recalled the contributions made by the late Prof. Kwadwo Asenso-Okyere, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University, and also a former Master of Commonwealth Hall. He paid a glowing tribute to the Old Vandals Association through whose contributions the project had been made possible.

Mr. Isaac Nketia Sarpong, President of the Old Vandals Association (OVA)

Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, Vice-Chancellor of the University, expressed delight about the project, noting that it would bring relief to all stake holders, in terms of ameliorating student accommodation. He was optimistic about the completion of the annex as he said all projects started during his tenure have been completed within record time, adding that the Commonwealth Hall Annex project will not be an exception. He charged the contractors to discharge their duty with discipline, honesty and integrity.

Trees were planted by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oduro Owusu, Daasebre Oti Boateng, Omanhene of New Juaben, and an alumnus of Commonwealth Hall, and Mr. Isaac Sarpong, President of the Old Vandals Association ,to commemorate the event.

The ceremony attracted a number of dignitaries including Hon. Joseph Osei-Owusu, first deputy speaker of Parliament, and also an old Vandal, Nana Akuoko Sarpong, Omanhene of Agogo Traditional Area, and also an old Vandal, Justice Kwaku Gyan, an old Vandal, Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhassan, Member of Parliament, Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency; Hon. Patrick Yaw Boamah, Deputy Minister for Sanitation. Officials of the University who attended the ceremony were the Commonwealth Hall management, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs; Mrs. Stella A. Amoa, Director of Public Affairs; Mr. Charles Kofinti, Director, PDMSD, Mrs. Christy Badu, Ag. Director, Academic Affairs, Prof. Olivia Anku-Tsede, Legal Counsel. Also in attendance were Members of Parliament, Government Functionaries, members of the University Community, Old Vandals, the media fraternity, students and the general public.

The event was interspersed with musical interlude by the Vandal Chorale. Characteristic of Commonwealth Hall, the Jama groups captivated the ceremony, rendering a repertoire of reverberating songs to liven the event.