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Faculty members at the University of Ghana (UG) have broken their silence on claims that some 27 faculty members are strongly against the construction of a Commonwealth Hall Annex project.
In a press release seen by Joy News, Professor Nana Akua Anyidoho, on behalf of the convocation members, stated that “there is no truth to the claims that 27 faculty members are against the Commonwealth Hall Annex Project” .
“In summary, we are very much in favor of Commonwealth Hall having an annex located in a nearby and environmentally sustainable location, once the governance, environmental and financial implications of such a project have been properly addressed,” he said.
Professor Akua Anyidoho revealed that apart from some members of the convocation who expressed concern, the current designated Finance Minister, members of the Old Vandals Association and the public have also expressed concern about the launch of the project.
He also added that, contrary to the statements of some representatives of Commonwealth Hall, said project has not gone through the approval process of the University and for that reason should be suspended for future discussions.
The Commonwealth Hall project, estimated at $ 42,000,000, is expected to deliver a fully furnished 4,660-bed capacity, comprising 302 one-bed blocks, 552 two-bed blocks, 3,806 four-bed blocks, 32 two-bedroom conference floors, auditorium with capacity for 8,000 and a shopping center.
Professor Akua Anyidoho stated that some underlying challenges that have not been addressed include worsening water shortages in the event that 4,000 beds are added to the 1,000 capacity of the main hall.
“The developers have also not addressed the traffic that will come with having a mall and conference center on the hill,” he said.
He added that no documents have been provided on how the project will be financed and whether students will be charged commercial fees for the hostel.
“Currently, the university is burdened with incomplete construction projects that have run into financial problems. We are concerned that without an adequate financial base, this could happen with the annexed project ”, he lamented.
According to parts of the statement, the deliberate dissemination of disinformation by some people is the reason for insults and threats against 27 university professors by student representatives.
Concerns raised by the convocation stem from a press conference held by student representatives from Commonwealth Hall on Friday, January 29, where the names of some 27 faculty members were released as opponents of the project.
This was followed by a protest at the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Chaplaincy facility on January 31, which demanded that Rev. Prof. Okyerefo stay away from Commonwealth Hall.
These actions of the representatives of the show according to the call, violate article 18.3 of the University Regulations for Youth Members, so they are inexcusable and unacceptable.
“While we support your right as students to voice your concerns, these actions are unacceptable in an academic setting,” the statement added.
Therefore, Professor Nana Akua Anyidoho has urged the student representatives of the Hall to desist from threats and intimidation and to follow established procedures to express their opinions.
“Please know that we are available for further discussions in a mutually respectful way,” he concluded.
