University of Ghana hands over five acre land to SRC and GRASAG for student hostel project
The University of Ghana (UG) has officially handed over five acres of land to the Student Representative Council (SRC) and the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG) to begin construction on a jointly-owned hostel facility.
The project marks a significant step toward addressing the University’s accommodation challenges.
At a brief handing-over ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo commended the SRC and GRASAG for their commitment to continuity in student leadership through the establishment of development boards.
She noted that this structure has ensured progress on the project beyond the typical one-year leadership cycles of student governance.
Professor Amfo reiterated Management’s full support for the initiative and urged student leaders to engage professional expertise to ensure sound governance.
She also emphasized the importance of accountability, reminding attendees that any funds managed through the University become public resources.
Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs (ASA), Professor Gordon Awandare, traced the origins of the project to 2021, when SRC and GRASAG leaders voluntarily introduced student levies to support infrastructure development, with hostels identified as a top priority.
He described the decision to pool funds and independently commence construction as both "visionary and transformational."
Mr Peter Abalansa, Acting Director of the Physical Development and Municipal Services Directorate (PDMSD), confirmed the land allocation—two acres to the SRC and three acres to GRASAG—making up the total five acres.
He presented the official site plans to the Vice-Chancellor and Pro Vice-Chancellor for formal handover to the student leaders.
Speaking on behalf of the student body, SRC Vice-President Mr Jeffrey Adu-Yeboah expressed appreciation to University Management, describing the project as a testament to the power of collaboration between students and administrators.
He emphasized that the fund represents a lasting legacy for future generations and has the potential to provide over 15,000 beds, along with modern learning facilities.
GRASAG President Mr Bright Amansiah Twerefuor hailed the occasion as a milestone in collaborative student leadership.
He extended thanks to University Management and past student leaders for laying the groundwork for the project.
Also in attendance were the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Rosina Kyerematen; former Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and current Director of ISSER, Professor Robert Darko Osei; members of the SRC and GRASAG Development Fund Boards; hall heads; and other members of the University community.
The hostel project, to be funded through the University of Ghana Student Development Fund, is expected to become a model for student-led infrastructure development across Africa.
