Akufo-Addo inaugurates Silver Jubilee Building at UDS, fulfilling a promise to advance education
The three-storey complex, designed to house lecture halls and offices, stands as a testament to President Akufo-Addo’s promise, made in 2018 during UDS’s 25th anniversary celebrations.
In a significant ceremony at the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has inaugurated the newly built Silver Jubilee Building, marking a major milestone in the university’s development and the president’s commitment to education in Ghana.
The Silver Jubilee Building, a three-storey complex housing lecture halls and offices, stands as a testament to a promise by President Akufo-Addo, made in 2018 during UDS’s 25th-anniversary celebrations. Speaking at the inauguration, the president expressed satisfaction that the building has been completed, emphasising that it represents more than just a physical structure.
“This building symbolises our shared vision for a brighter future, our commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, and our resolve to the development of our country,” the president said.
He said the Silver Jubilee Building will serve as a catalyst for innovation and a hub for intellectual discourse, which will significantly enhance the academic environment for both students and faculty at UDS.
The president expressed his gratitude to all those who played a role in bringing the project to fruition, including the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), the university’s governing council, faculty, staff, students and the contractors, Buildex Company Ltd.
He praised their dedication and craftsmanship, which he said are evident in every corner of the new building.
Cornerstone of development
In other remarks, President Akufo-Addo stressed the broader significance of education as a cornerstone of national development.
He highlighted the considerable investments his government has made in education, including a budgetary allocation of GHC12.88 billion to transform educational outcomes in Ghana.
“My government has expended considerable energy and resources on the education sector because we recognise that education is the most powerful tool we have to transform our nation,” the president said.
He also pointed to the success of the “No Guarantor Policy”, which has significantly improved access to tertiary education by removing financial barriers for students. The policy, he noted, led to a 60.3% increase in the number of students seeking tertiary education between the 2016/17 and 2022/23 academic years. This surge in demand has prompted the government to establish four new universities across Ghana and expand existing facilities.
The president further reaffirmed his government’s commitment to research and academia, revealing that since 2020, the government has disbursed GHC226 million by way of research allowances, with an additional GHC491 million allocated to book allowances. These investments, he argued, are crucial for fostering an environment conducive to scholarly investigation and innovation.
Looking ahead, President Akufo-Addo called on universities to strengthen their ties with industry, government and communities to ensure that their research and teaching are aligned with the nation’s development goals. He emphasised the critical role that universities play in training professionals across many fields, including engineering, law and political science.
In his closing remarks, the president urged Ghanaians to support the vice-president, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, in the December 2024 election, praising his competence, resourcefulness and vision for Ghana’s future.
The inauguration of the Silver Jubilee Building not only marks the realisation of a promise by President Akufo-Addo but also signals the beginning of a new chapter in the history of UDS.
From: Asaase Radio
