The Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboah, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting higher education institutions, pledging direct assistance to the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR).
During a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of UENR, Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the university's main campus, the minister lauded the leadership of the institution for its prudent use of Internally Generated Funds (IGF) and other financial resources.
He particularly commended the Vice-Chancellor and his management team for delivering key infrastructural projects such as the Administrative Office Complex, four lecture pavilions, a basic school, among others.
Assurance
Mr Akwaboah assured the university of the government's resolve not to leave UENR behind in its broader national development agenda.
He revealed that discussions were ongoing with the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to resume and complete all stalled projects on university campuses, including those at UENR.
In response, Professor Asare-Bediako expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC government for their renewed commitment to the university.
He disclosed that through government intervention, funds had been released for contractors to resume work on projects that had been abandoned for over five years.
He also acknowledged the government's pledge to provide GH¢ 10 million in seed funding for UENR.
The Vice-Chancellor further appealed to corporate bodies such as Ghana Gas and the Bank of Ghana to expedite support for projects they have already initiated at the university.
He also called on other stakeholders to join efforts in advancing the government’s Reset Agenda in education and strengthening UENR’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Establishment
The University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) was established by an Act of Parliament, Act 830, 2011 on December 31, 2011.
The University is a public funded national institution which seeks to provide leadership and management of energy and natural resources and be a centre of excellence in these critical areas.
The University approaches its programmes and research emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and taking into account, areas such as economics, law and policy, management, science, technology and engineering as well as social and political issues affecting energy and natural resources.
Prior to the passing of the bill establishing the University into law, the then President, the late Prof. J.E.A Mills set up a National Task Force Planning Committee on January 8, 2010 with the mandate to develop, organize and supervise the implementation of the programme for the establishment of the two new Universities in the Volta and Brong Ahafo Regions.
