President John Dramani Mahama has inspected the ongoing multi-complex science laboratory project at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) in Navrongo, Upper East Region, assuring the university of government’s commitment to completing the facility and supporting its expansion.
The inspection formed part of the President’s ongoing Resetting Ghana Tour of the Upper East Region, during which he assessed development projects and interacted with stakeholders.
President Mahama explained that the laboratory project was among the abandoned projects identified under his administration’s policy of completing stalled projects across the country.
“During the campaign in 2024, we said that we were going to undertake an inventory of all abandoned projects, including those that were abandoned after I left office as President and during the eight years of the NPP administration, and ensure that we put money into them and complete them.”
He said the decision was driven by the need to protect public investments, noting that taxpayers’ money had already been committed to the projects.
“Taxpayers’ money has already been invested in these projects, and we must make sure that those investments are put to productive use.”
According to the President, the UTAS laboratory project commenced in 2016 but was abandoned after his previous administration left office. Following the return of his government, the project was captured in the inventory of abandoned projects and funding was provided for work to resume.
President Mahama expressed satisfaction with the progress of construction and said the facility was expected to be completed and handed over next year.
“From next year, you should have a first-class laboratory that will support teaching and learning and provide students with the facilities they need for their science-based programmes.”
He stressed the importance of the project to UTAS, particularly because of the university’s focus on applied sciences.
“Since this is an institution focused on applied sciences, laboratories are very important for the teaching and learning that take place here.”
President directs attention to internal roads
During the inspection, President Mahama also drew the attention of the Minister and Deputy Minister of Roads to a request from the university for the construction of approximately five kilometres of internal roads.
He said the Vice-Chancellor had informed him that the roads had not yet been engineered and immediately asked the Roads Ministry to include the project in its inventory.
“Five kilometres is not much. Please add it to your inventory and get a contractor to come and do it.”
President Mahama said UTAS was strategically important to Ghana’s development ambitions, particularly at a time when the global economy was placing increasing demand on professionals in science, technology and engineering.
“We have been saying that we need to train more engineers, scientists and technologists. The world is changing very fast, and the business world is looking for more engineers and people with a science and technology orientation.”
He therefore urged the university to continue expanding its science-based programmes and increasing opportunities for young people to pursue careers in science and technology.
Government backs UTAS medical school
The President further assured the university of government’s support for its plans to establish a medical school.
“We will also support and follow your efforts towards the establishment of the medical school.”
He explained that expanding medical education across the country would help address the shortage of doctors and strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system.
“We want as many universities as possible to train doctors so that we can have enough doctors to serve our country and, where possible, provide medical professionals to other countries.”
President Mahama assured the Vice-Chancellor that his administration would continue to support the institution’s development agenda.
“Vice-Chancellor, you can be assured that we are behind you. We will support you to make this a first-class university of excellence.”
The President’s inspection underscores the government’s broader commitment to reviving abandoned public projects while expanding infrastructure for science, technology, engineering and medical education.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
