The rehabilitated College of Distance Education (CoDE) Study Centre at Domenase in the Bekwai Municipality of the Ashanti Region has been commissioned.
Equipped with modern equipment, the Study Centre aims to bring university education closer to the doorstep of the people.
The scope of works included the replacement of the roof structure, paving the compound and parking areas, the construction of two septic tanks, and the installation of a security post and perimeter fence to enhance safety.
It also included the installation of air-conditioning systems in all laboratories, the development of a fully functional ICT laboratory with a high-speed network, upgraded plumbing systems, installed firefighting equipment, and fixed laboratory benches, amongst others.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, who inaugurated the rehabilitated centre, said the project was completed and commissioned in August 2016.
VC, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, flanked by the Registrar, Gideon Abbeyquaye Esq. (L), and the Provost of CoHAS, Prof. Martins Ekor (R), inspecting the library in the facility
However, according to him, there were defects in the building structure that were not addressed.
“In 2021, management took the bold decision to re-award the contract to complete the outstanding and defective works. In December 2022, rehabilitation works commenced in earnest, and I am pleased to report that the scope of the project was also significantly enhanced to meet modern educational and infrastructural standards,” Prof Boampong explained.
The facility, the Vice-Chancellor added, now boasts eleven lecture halls, twenty-seven offices, two libraries, one ICT laboratory, and three state-of-the-art science laboratories.
He expressed appreciation to the Provost of CoDE and the entire leadership team for their dedication, as well as the contractors and consultants for their resilience and quality work.
He hailed GTEC for its invaluable guidance and commended the University management for their collective determination to make the project see the light of day.
Chief of Domenase, Nana Ntim Banahene, supporting the VC, Prof Nyarko Boampong to commission the 2 No. residence building
He called on students, faculty, and staff, and the Domenase community to protect, maintain, and fully utilize the study center to advance scholarship and development.
“Let us ensure this investment yields lasting impact, for our learners, our communities, and our nation,” he added.
The Vice-Chancellor also used the opportunity to inaugurate a 2 No. residential building, which began in June 2022 and was completed in September 2024.
The facility would accommodate students and staff to enhance teaching and learning.
The Chief of Domenase, Nana Ntim Banahene, who is also the Krontihene of Esumeja Traditional Area, commended the management of the University for their foresight to establish a study centre at Domenase.
He said the community would benefit immensely from the gesture and urged the youth to take advantage of the opportunity to acquire higher education.
Group photo of dignitaries and guests after the commissioning
The Provost of CoDE, Prof. Anokye Mohammed Adam, in a brief remark, said the study centre would go a long way to help the community. He charged students to enroll to build their knowledge and skills to meet the current global competitive market.
Present at the event were a cross-section of chiefs from the area, clergy, university officials, among others.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC