By Celestine Avi and Seth Eyiah
President John Dramani Mahama has inspected the ongoing construction of a four-storey Central Laboratory Complex at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) in Navrongo in the Upper East Region.
The project, funded by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), is being executed by M/S Sunlu Ghana Limited, with the UTAS Works and Physical Development Consultancy serving as consultant. It is expected to be completed and handed over in 2027.
The modern laboratory complex is intended to provide facilities for teaching, research, innovation and practical training, particularly in science and technology-related programmes.
President Mahama said the project formed part of government’s inventory of abandoned public projects earmarked for completion, following his administration’s decision to ensure that investments already made with taxpayers’ money are put to productive use.
He noted that construction began in 2016 but was subsequently abandoned after his administration left office. Following his return to office, the project was included in the inventory of abandoned projects, allowing funding to be provided for construction to resume.
President Mahama said the facility would be critical to UTAS, given its focus on applied sciences, and expressed satisfaction with the pace of work.
He said the completed laboratory would provide students with modern facilities to support teaching and learning and strengthen the university’s capacity to train engineers, scientists and technologists.
The President also directed the Roads Minister to consider a request by the university for the engineering and construction of about five kilometres of internal roads.
President Mahama further pledged government’s support for the expansion of UTAS and its efforts to establish a medical school, saying the country needs to train more doctors and other professionals in science and technology to meet growing national and global demands.
