President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his administration’s unwavering dedication to completing abandoned and stalled public projects across Ghana, signaling a renewed focus on bolstering infrastructure and economic development. The President’s recent visit, part of his ‘Resetting Ghana Tour’ of the Upper East Region, underscored this commitment, particularly with a significant emphasis placed on the ongoing four-storey central laboratory complex at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) in Navrongo. This initiative follows a history of challenges and delays in completing numerous projects, a point Mahama emphasized during a public address on Thursday, August 13, 2026, during the inspection of the facility.
The project, initiated in 2016 but subsequently stalled due to various factors, is now slated for completion in 2027, a timeline Mahama stated is crucial to maximizing taxpayer investments. He underscored the critical importance of preventing these investments from being lost to waste, stressing the necessity to fully utilize and operationalize these facilities.
Maham explicitly stated that ‘taxpayers’ contributions to stalled projects must not be left to languish unaddressed. This directive reflects a broader strategy to ensure resources are directed towards tangible improvements and practical applications. He directed the Ministry of Roads and Highways to incorporate UTAS’s request for approximately five kilometres of internal roads into their project inventory, a request Mahama deemed achievable and a vital component of a larger effort to enhance the university’s infrastructure landscape.
Furthermore, the President reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in Ghana. He expressed strong support for UTAS’s ambitious plans to establish a medical school, envisioning this expansion as a crucial step in bolstering the country’s healthcare capacity. This initiative, Mahama explained, will contribute significantly to training more doctors and addressing critical healthcare needs.
The visit to the UTAS laboratory complex highlights the government’s broader strategy to address infrastructural gaps across the country. The facility itself represents a substantial investment, designed to provide modern infrastructure for teaching, research, innovation, and practical training – all critical elements for the university’s continued growth and relevance.
The context of the stalled project is significant. Prior to the visit, a detailed assessment revealed that the project was facing several challenges, including delays in obtaining necessary permits, logistical hurdles, and financial constraints. Maham acknowledged these obstacles but insisted on the imperative of expediting completion. The President’s emphasis on bolstering STEM education underscores a long-term vision for Ghana’s future, aiming to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of driving economic progress and technological advancement. The potential impact of this investment on the university’s research and development efforts is considerable, potentially yielding valuable insights and innovations that benefit the nation.
The government’s proactive approach to this issue reflects a determined commitment to prioritizing public infrastructure and fostering scientific advancement – a sentiment echoed in several recent policy announcements and strategic initiatives.
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Source: Adom Online
