The University of Cape Coast (UCC), through the Ministry of Education, has signed a $500 million agreement with a Chinese partner for the construction of 28 new student dormitories on the university’s campus.
The project, which is expected to commence in January 2027, is projected to provide accommodation for more than 40,000 students and will incorporate 65 percent local content in its construction.
Student accommodation remains a major challenge in Ghana’s tertiary institutions, with limited facilities forcing some students to share rooms while others are compelled to seek housing outside their campuses.
Despite investments by successive governments and private institutions to expand student accommodation, demand continues to outstrip available facilities.
It is against this backdrop that UCC has entered into the agreement to construct the 28 dormitories as part of efforts to ease pressure on existing accommodation facilities.
The Vice Chancellor of UCC, Professor Dennis Aheto, said the project would be implemented at no direct cost to the state.
“This will be at no cost to the state. The University, through its billing of students, will finance it. It will remain within affordability for students, and after 35 years, it will transit back to the university,” he said.
Professor Aheto also said the project would prioritise Ghanaian participation, with 65 percent of the workforce expected to be local.
“This is a major breakthrough for us. Within this year, we will start the processes and conclude them, and by January 2027, we will begin construction,” he said.
The authorities expect the additional accommodation to significantly increase housing capacity at UCC and help address the persistent accommodation challenges confronting students.
The project is also expected to create opportunities for local contractors, workers and businesses through the planned 65 percent local content component.
Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2027.
By Daniel Opoku
