The University of Cape Coast (UCC) is set to expand its accommodation infrastructure with the construction of 28 residential blocks under a proposed US$500 million Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

The project, which is expected to provide accommodation for up to 28,000 students, will be implemented over a five-year construction period under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model.

Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between UCC and GSC Property Investment Limited, on Wednesday September 16, the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, said the project is intended to address the university’s acute accommodation deficit.

Haruna Iddrisu in a group photograph with other officials

According to the Minister, the project will be undertaken at no direct cost to the state, with the university expected to finance its obligations through accommodation fees paid by students.

“The agreement is for the expansion of accommodation infrastructure to deal with the acute accommodation deficit of the University of Cape coast,” the Minister disclosed.

He, however, directed the university to ensure that the charges remain within the financial reach of students as it manages the transition under the arrangement.

Mr Iddrisu said the partnership is expected to run over a longer period, after which ownership of the facilities will eventually be transferred to the university under the Build-Operate-Transfer arrangement.Source:Kennedy Odame Twumasi