Students’ Accommodation Receives Massive Boost as Management Commissions 1,256-Bed Diamond Jubilee Hall
In a significant step toward addressing student accommodation challenges, the University of Ghana has commissioned a 1,256-bed facility, the Diamond Jubilee Hall (DJH).
This modern student facility, a legacy project of the University’s 75th Anniversary celebrations, marks a major milestone in expanding on-campus housing and aligns with Priority One of the University’s Strategic Plan, providing students with a transformative experience.
At the commissioning ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo described the Diamond Jubilee Hall as a product of innovation and collaboration and mentioned that its development reflects sustainable and cost-effective solutions to the long-standing accommodation deficit on campus.
She commended the decision to remodel an existing uncompleted structure into a fully functional and modern student hall, noting that “this move underscores the University’s commitment to Strategic Priority Five, which focuses on Sustainable Resource Mobilisation and Stewardship.”
Addressing stakeholders at the event, Prof. Amfo highlighted the financial prudence that guided the project’s completion. “It is worth noting that since the return to site, the project has been wholly financed by the University through internally generated funds. In spite of the extensive additions made to the project and the fluctuation in prices of construction inputs, the team managed to keep costs down. This is very commendable given the history of ballooning construction costs in the University and the country as a whole,” she stated.
She praised the team responsible for ensuring fiscal discipline, noting that even with added variations to enhance the facility, the project remained cost-effective, a rare feat in the current economic climate.
Prof. Amfo further reiterated the University’s commitment to enhancing student life by providing a safe, comfortable and conducive environment for learning and personal development. She reiterated that the commissioning of the Diamond Jubilee Hall directly contributes to Strategic Priority One, which seeks to provide students with a transformative experience.
“Operationalising this project ultimately translates to our pursuit of Transformative Student Experience. This magnificent facility will provide students with a conducive living and learning environment, ensuring their well-being and academic success,” she affirmed.
The Vice-Chancellor also reflected on the sustainability aspect of the project, explaining that the decision to complete an already existing structure rather than starting afresh demonstrated the University’s commitment to resource efficiency.
“This project involved the remodeling of an existing uncompleted building, transforming it into this modern facility. This approach aligns with our goal of utilising resources efficiently, which epitomises our commitment to the University’s fifth Strategic Priority: Sustainable Resource Mobilisation and Stewardship.”
She further stressed that the current administration carefully assessed the University’s accommodation situation before making the decision to return to site and complete the project. “The Diamond Jubilee Hall will significantly expand our capacity to house students, alleviating the long-standing challenge of inadequate on-campus accommodation,” Prof. Amfo said.
The Vice-Chancellor made an exciting announcement to the student body, saying the Diamond Jubilee Hall is ready for immediate occupancy. “Dear students, I am happy to announce that the Diamond Jubilee Hall is ready for immediate occupancy. In the coming days, you will be duly informed of the modalities to get a bed. This marks a new chapter in our commitment to enhancing the student experience and providing a supportive academic environment.”
Providing additional insights into the funding process, Prof. Felix A. Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor with responsibility for Research, Innovation, and Development, who also chairs the Infrastructure Development Committee, revealed that the project was primarily financed using research internally generated funds from the University.
He explained that this approach became necessary due to the urgency of addressing the accommodation crisis without over-relying on external funding sources.
“Given the financial constraints facing universities across the country, we had to think innovatively. We leveraged research-generated funds to finance this project, ensuring that students could benefit from much-needed accommodation without delay.”
Prof. Asante expressed appreciation to the Physical Development and Municipal Services Directorate (PDMSD) for their expertise in supervising the project, ensuring that high-quality standards were maintained throughout construction.
For his part, Mr. Peter Abalansah, Ag. Director of PDMSD, provided technical details on the newly commissioned hall and outlined the bed capacity, room arrangements and facilities available in the Diamond Jubilee Hall.
“This facility offers 264 rooms housing two students each, 184 rooms accommodating four students each, kitchenettes on each floor, reading rooms, television rooms, and offices for hall management. Additional amenities include a washing bay, maintenance unit, and all requisite utilities to ensure a comfortable living environment for our students,” he announced.
He further revealed that plans were in place to add commercial facilities, including shops, eateries and laundry services, to enhance student experiences.
Mr. Abalansah also highlighted the innovative Construction Cost-Saving Model adopted during the project, which resulted in a 45% reduction in costs while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
He reported that “the Diamond Jubilee Hall stands as a testament to our commitment to innovative sustainable and cost-effective solutions for student accommodation. Initiated in 2022, this project utilised a unique Construction Cost-Saving Model, reducing costs by 45% while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.”
He attributed the successful execution of the project to the Infrastructure Development Committee, PDMSD and the innovative financial mobilisation strategies spearheaded by Prof. Felix Asante. Special recognition was also given to the Project Manager, Dr. George N. S. Mends, who developed the cost-saving model that ensured financial prudence.
Speaking on behalf of the student body, the Vice-President of the UG SRC, Jeffery Adu-Yeboah, expressed profound gratitude to the University’s Management for their efforts in addressing the pressing need for student accommodation.
"We sincerely appreciate the University’s leadership for taking this bold step to complete the Diamond Jubilee Hall. This project demonstrates a genuine commitment to student welfare and academic success."
He assured Management that students would take responsibility for maintaining the facility, urging those who would be privileged to stay in the Hall to uphold discipline and ensure the longevity of the facility.
"On behalf of the student body, I pledge that efforts will be made to protect the installations and keep the Hall in good shape. I also urge students who will benefit from this Hall to be responsible residents, ensuring that future generations of students can also enjoy this great facility."
With the commissioning of the Diamond Jubilee Hall, the University of Ghana has taken a major step toward reducing the accommodation deficit and enhancing student welfare. The facility stands as a symbol of innovation, efficiency and strategic planning, reinforcing UG’s position as a forward-thinking institution committed to providing world-class student experiences.
