The Chancellor of the Presbyterian University, Ghana (PUG), Rt. Rev. Prof. Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante has commissioned and dedicated the Graduate Block at the Akuapem Campus of the University upon its completion with GH₵600,000.00 grant support from the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG).
The Graduate Block has three offices, eight washrooms, and six lecture halls each of which can hold 30 graduate students.
The Moderator of the General Assembly of PCG and Chancellor of PUG addressing the audience at the ceremony
In an address at a ceremony to dedicate the Graduate Block, the Chancellor of PUG who is also the Moderator of the General Assembly of the PCG congratulated the University for the completion of the graduate block.
He implored the University to use the facility as a springboard to expand its services to students and increase the number of graduate programmes run by the University.
Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong cutting the ribbon to symbolise the commissioning of the Graduate Block. He assisted by the Chancellor and President of PUG, and other dignitaries at the function.
The Chancellor charged the University to collaborate with other Presbyterian higher educational institutions and likeminded institutions, home and abroad, to share best practices and reap the benefits that can accrue to the endowment of the University.
While expressing appreciation to Prof Ebenezer Oduro Owusu whose tenure ends on July 31, 2023 after 22 months as President of PUG, the Chancellor implored the Management of the University to keep the facility in an excellent condition. He further expressed appreciation to Rev. Prince Asamoah-Boateng, a civil engineer and the project supervisor.
The Chancellor dedicating the block
Recounting the history of the Graduate Block from its inception when it was initiated by the then Salem Basic School before the University took over in the year 2007, the President of PUG thanked the current Vice President of the University, Prof Frank S. Arku who was then the Campus coordinated for partnering the Christ Congregation of PCG, Akropong-Akuapem to raise funds to complete the ground floor of the block at the end of the 2012/2013 academic year.
Prof Oduro Owusu thanked the Moderator and Chancellor for establishing annual grants for the University to improve its infrastructural outlook when he assumed office in the year 2018. The President expressed gratitude to the General Assembly Council of PCG and the entire membership of the Church for their continuous support towards the infrastructure development of the University over the years.
President of PUG, Prof Oduro Owusu addressing the gathering at the ceremony
The President disclosed that the University has developed and submitted a number of Graduate and Post Graduate Programmes to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission which are at the various stages of accreditation to augment the number of graduate programmes run by the University.
On the President’s Special Projects initiated when he was inducted into office in January, 2022, he said the fence wall around the campuses starting with the Okwahu Campus was near completion. The architectural designs for the first phase of construction of the single/two bedroom apartments comprising 10 units single-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments for staff across the campuses are ready.
Prof Oduro Owusu (2nd from left) explaining a point to the Chancellor inside the lecture hall
Prof Oduro Owusu therefore called on the Government, various Presbyterian groups in the Church, Traditional authorities and individuals to assist in bridging the infrastructural gap for students and staff of the University.
Concluding his address, the President thanked Rev Prince Asamoah Boateng, a civil engineer at the Estate Department of the University for supervising the work to be completed on time. He also thanked the past Presidents and their Management for their vision to make the University accommodating for students and staff.
Finally, he expressed gratitude to the entire staff and students of the University for their hard work and positive attitude to make the University a higher educational institution of choice.
Prof Oduro Owusu receiving the keys to the Graduate Block from the Chancellor of PUG, Rt. Rev. Prof. J. O. Y. Mante
The special guest of the occasion, Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong said the Graduate Block represents more than brick and mortar, rather hope, progress and opportunity; a place where young people are nurtured and prepared to tackle the challenges of our time.
He said the knowledge imparted within the walls of the block will not only contribute to personal growth but also innovation, critical thinking and problem solving abilities that are essential for the development and advancement of the country.
Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong addressing the gathering at the ceremony
Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong congratulated the University for being the beacon of knowledge, catalyst of positive change, source of inspiration for generations to come.
The Acting Registrar, Mr John Adarkwa said the completion of the graduate block was critical to the infrastructure development of the University at the time that it is expanding its graduate programmes.
Mr. John Adarkwah, Acting Registrar of PUG
He thanked Moderator of the General Assembly of PCG and the General Assembly Council for the financial support to the University leading to the completion and dedication of both the 400-bed hostel accommodation at the Okwahu Campus and the Graduate Block at the Akuapem Campus.
The Acting Registrar implored the students to take good care of these facilities in order to maximise their benefits.
Some dignitaries at the function looked on as the Chancellor discusses a point with the President
The Eastern Regional Minister, Hon Seth Kwame Acheampong was accompanied by the Akropong Municipal Chief Executive Barima Sarpong Asiedu-Larbi, and Mr. Lawrence Dzah, the Akropong Municipal Director of Education.
A section of the audience at the commissioning and dedication of the Graduate Block
Present at the dedication of the Graduate Block were the Vice President of the University, Prof. Frank Sena Arku, Rev. Ebenezer Acheampong Asiedu – Akuapem Presbytery Chairperson, Rev. Dr. Seth Kissi, Akyem – Abuakwa Presbytery Chairman and Council Member of the PUG, Mrs. Anita Amoako-Gyima – PUG Alumni President, and PCG Council Member Rev. Raymond Baah Abekah – West Akyem Presbytery Chairperson.
A section of the audience at the ceremony
Others present were the General Manager of Presbyterian Schools, Mr. Daniel Yeboah Hienoo, Director of Development and Social Services of PCG, Mrs Teiko Sabah, the Akuapem Presbytery Clerk, the Akropong and Aburi Presbyterian College of Education Principals Rev. Dr. Nicholas Apreh Siaw and Cynthia Anim, respectively.
The Graduate Block at the Akuapem Campus
The PUG Management, Deans and Heads of Department, PUG Students, and Staff also graced the occasion.