On Sunday, June 1, 2025, Hon. Alhassan Sualihu Dandaawa, Deputy Administrator of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), on behalf of Mr. Paul Adjei, GETFund Administrator, led a delegation to the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) in Wa to assess ongoing and stalled GETFund projects. The visit aligns with the “Resetting Agenda” initiated by H.E. John Dramani Mahama to address infrastructural deficits in educational institutions.
Accompanying Hon. Dandaawa were: Mr. Victor Tiher, Deputy Director in charge of Projects; Mr. Seidu Adams, Northern Ghana Zonal Manager; and Mr. Isaac Asiedu-Odei, Head of Public Relations. The Team was received at the Central Administration. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Kanchebe Derbile was supported by: Ing. Reginald Assibey Ankrah, Director of Works and Municipal Services; Surv. Ajongba Desmond Malachi, Head of Quantity Survey; and Mr. Fidelis Zimberi Tang, Director of University Relations.
Prof. Derbile highlighted the University’s pressing infrastructure needs, emphasising the importance of completing long-standing projects to accommodate all faculties and schools on the main campus. This consolidation aims to reduce costs associated with renting external facilities and enhance administrative efficiency.
The delegation toured four key projects all of which were initiated between 2011 and 2015: a 600-bed student hostel, a library complex, Lecture Hall 4, and a lecture theatre which had been repurposed as an administration block but remained incomplete. Prof. Derbile noted that with adequate funding, the administration block could be completed within three months to significantly improve the University’s operational capacity.
Hon. Dandaawa expressed concern over the numerous uncompleted projects, some dating back over two decades. He criticised the previous administration for neglecting these initiatives and assured the University community of the current government’s commitment to completing them promptly. He stated, “We will prioritise finishing existing projects before initiating new ones, ensuring that resources are utilised effectively to benefit the University and its stakeholders.”
At the 600-bed student hostel, Hon. Dandaawa lamented the project’s prolonged stagnation, highlighting the adverse effects on student accommodation and welfare. He emphasised the necessity of completing such facilities to provide a conducive learning environment and reduce the burden on students seeking housing off-campus.
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| Ing. Ankrah, leading the delegation into the 600-bed students’ hostel | The delegation inspecting the building |
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| The Western view of the 600-bed students’ hostel |
The Deputy Administrator assured that upon returning to Accra, he would relay the findings to the GETFund Administrator to expedite the resumption and completion of the stalled projects. He reiterated the Government’s dedication to addressing infrastructural challenges in educational institutions, particularly those in underserved regions.
Prof. Derbile expressed gratitude for the visit and the renewed commitment to the University’s development. He stated, “This engagement brings hope to our institution. The completion of these projects will not only enhance our infrastructure but also improve the quality of education we offer.”
The visit underscores the Government’s resolve to revitalize educational infrastructure, ensuring that institutions like SDD-UBIDS are well-equipped to fulfill their mandates at the regional, national levels and beyond.
Hon. Dandaawa concluded by acknowledging the media’s role as a partner in national development, expressing appreciation for their coverage and support.