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Faculty members at the University of Ghana (UG) have broken their silence over allegations that some 27 faculty members are totally opposed to the construction of a proposed Commonwealth Hall annex.
In a press release seen by Joy News, Professor Nana Akua Anyidoho, on behalf of the members of the convocation, said that “there is no truth in the claims that 27 faculty members are against the project. Commonwealth Hall Annex ”.
“In summary, we are very much in favor of the Commonwealth Hall having an annex located in a nearby and ecologically sustainable location, once the governance, environmental and financial implications of such a project have been properly addressed,” a- she declared.
Prof Akua Anyidoho revealed that in addition to some members of the convocation raising concerns, the current finance minister-designate, members of the Old Vandals Association and members of the public have also expressed concern over the carrying out the project.
She also added that contrary to statements made by some Commonwealth Hall officials, the said project did not go through the University’s approval process and for this reason should be put on hold for further discussions.
The Commonwealth Hall project, estimated at $ 42 million, is expected to offer a 4660 bed capacity fully furnished, comprising 302 one-bed blocks, 552 two-bed blocks, 3,806 four-bed blocks, 32 two-bedroom conference rooms , an 8000-seat auditorium and a shopping center.
Prof Akua Anyidoho said some underlying challenges that have not been resolved include worsening water scarcity if the 4,000 bed construction is added to the 1,000 capacity of the main ward.
“The promoters also failed to address the traffic problem associated with establishing a shopping mall and a conference center on the hill,” she said.
She added that documents regarding how the project will be funded were also not provided and also whether students would be charged commercial rates for the hostel.
“Currently, the university is grappling with unfinished construction projects that have experienced financial problems. We fear that without an adequate financial base this could happen with the side project, ”she lamented.
According to parts of the statement, the deliberate dissemination of disinformation by some people has resulted in insults and threats against 27 university faculty members from student representatives.
The concerns raised by the summons 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 premises of the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Chaplaincy on January 31, which demanded that the Rev. Prof. Okyerefo stays away from Commonwealth Hall.
These actions of the representatives of the room in accordance with the convocation, violate article 18.3 of the University Regulations for junior members are therefore inexcusable and unacceptable.
“While we support your right as students to voice your concerns, these actions are unacceptable in an academic environment,” the statement added.
Professor Nana Akua Anyidoho therefore urged the student representatives in the room to refrain from threats and intimidation and instead follow established procedures for expressing their opinions.
“Know that we are available to continue the discussion in mutual respect,” she concluded.
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