The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at UHAS Main campus, Ho with the Augson Global Limited located in Accra.
Mr Rudolf Schirmer Ampofo-Domfeh, a staff from the Augson Global Limited indicated that the partnership was to enable his company develop two transformative mixed-use projects for UHAS, dubbed ‘Augson Smart Hostels’.
Professor John Owusu Gyapong, Vice Chancellor in his welcome address gave a brief history of the University and further stated that, “UHAS is a young University with a modest environment but has inadequate hostels for the admitted students. Currently, most Universities do not admit student based on the availability of hostels or beds especially young University such as UHAS. This is as a result of high demand for higher education and the high number of Senior High School (SHS) graduates who qualify for University admissions.
“This has created accommodation shortage such that each year students lack hostel accommodation within the University. This is a disadvantage to students who cannot find or afford accommodation outside the University, especially those who do not hail from the city and nearby towns of the University and probably have never been to those cities and towns before.”
He continued, “Government does not have readily available funds for the development, however, UHAS is poised to stand and partner if necessary for continuity of development within the University. Private companies’ participation in the development of infrastructure for Universities is an imperative initiative which we all must embrace.
Augson Global Limited is excited to deliver 10,000 students capacity hostels and 550 units of staff accommodation as part of their Augson Investment Program (AuSIP) under the Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) basis.
Professor Owusu Gyapong, also expressed his appreciation at the signing of the MoU for Augson’s interest in joining hands with UHAS for these developments. He mentioned that he hoped the agreement will help in fostering a stronger relationship which will benefit both institutions. He is confident that the accommodation challenges would be addressed and an appropriate environment created for living and studying as a result of this partnership.
Mr. Rudolf Schirmer Ampofo-Domfeh was very positive to create a true, transit-oriented residential mixed-use development with student housing and retail uses, adding that the project will extend the active services along UHAS, enhancing a livable and eco-friendly student neighborhood. The design, construction and amenities of both the student and staff accommodation will be of high-quality and built upon the other landmark developments within the University. The project will offer various units’ types for its diverse tenant profile tailored to all demographics in search of urban living on campus. It shall provide students and staffs with the widest variety of housing types and prices, proximity to lecture theatres, a range of transportation options, and the availability to live near the many amenities that the facility shall have to offer.
The University was represented by Professor John Owusu Gyapong (Vice Chancellor), Professor Seth Owusu-Agyei (Pro-Vice-Chancellor), Dr. Cynthia Sena Kpeglo (Registrar), Ms. Yaa Amankwaa Opuni (Senior Assistant Registrar) and Mr. Callistus Clarke Noyuru (Legal Counsel) met with Augson Global also represented by Mr. Rudolf Schirmer Ampofo-Domfeh (CEO), Mr. Joseph Acheampong (Director of Projects) and Mr. Michael R. Youri (Legal Director) to sign an MoU that is to plan, design, construct and operate student and staff accommodation facilities .