Some 25 lecturers of the University of Ghana have written to the Vice Chancellor requesting further information through a special meeting of convocation on the construction of an ultramodern Commonwealth Hall Annex.
In the letter dated 23rd December, 2019, the 25 lecturers raised 10 questions they request edification on. Among other things, the lecturers asked why the present site for the construction was chosen whilst adding that it will potentially destroy the “unique architecture” of the University.
In their 4th point, they posit that “Without attempting to I pune any ill intentions to Commonwealth Hall students (aka Vandals), the congregation of 5,000 Vandals at the pinnacle of the University gives cause for extreme concern, especially in the event of Student disaffection about something.”
In addition, they want to know if an environmental impact assessment has been carried out to ensure that noise levels, sanitation, water supply, light ventilation and security are not jeopardized for the entire Hall, lecturers who live close by and UG workers at the registery.
Notable among the lecturers making this call is Professor Akosua Adomako Ampofo, a professor of African and Gender Studies, Esther Sakyi-Dawson, a former director of Academic Quality Assurance at the University, Professor Dzodzi Tsikata, current director of the Institute of African Studies. Others include Professor Agnes Budu a former Warden of Volta Hall, Ms. Ama Dadson IT Service Delivery Manager at the University of Ghana Computing Systems, Dr. Osman Alhassan, Dr. Kodjo Senah, Dr. Josua Gariba and Dr. Doris Boateng of the Department of Social Work.
The Old Vandals Association, Alumni of the Commonwealth Hall of the University of Ghana (UG) broke grounds for the construction of a 4,660-bed capacity Commonwealth Hall Annex project at the University.
The facility estimated at $42,000,000 is expected to deliver a fully-furnished 4,660-bed capacity, comprising 302 one-bed block, 552 two-bed block, 3,806 four-bed block, 32 two-bedroom lecture flats, 8,000 capacity auditorium and a shopping mall.
Professor Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, the Vice Chancellor of UG at the time of groundbreaking said the ceremony was important on the calendar of the University since it marked a critical step in the University’s effort to expand student accommodation on campus, and add unto their infrastructural stock.
“Most importantly, it comes at a time that the Junior Common Room of Commonwealth Hall has petitioned the high office of the Republic of Ghana to address the accommodation crises on campus. On this score, I am sure the junior members of Commonwealth Hall are happy to witness this event and will revise their notes especially with respect to their expectations from management,” he said.
A source has intimated to this website that the special meeting of convocation is scheduled for 3:00pm today Friday 3rd January, 2020.
The full petition and the 25 signitories is published below:
