VC Commissions Refurbished Fountain at UG’s Main Entrance
The Gladiator Cycling Club, DHL Forwarding West Africa and Goldcrest Ibnav Ltd., have initiated steps to restore water fountains at key points on campus. These efforts, led by the Institutional Advancement Directorate, are being made to beautify and promote a climate-smart environment on campus.
The first of these is the University's main gate fountain, which was commissioned by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo. These fountains contribute to a climate-smart environment by promoting green spaces and relaxation areas for students while also enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the UG campus.
This project promotes Priority 5 of UG’s newly launched Strategic Plan on Sustainable Resource Mobilisation and Stewardship.
During a brief commissioning ceremony, Prof. Kwasi Dartey-Baah, Director of the Institutional Advancement Directorate, stated that the refurbished fountain is not only a demonstration of the University's commitment to improving the appearance of its campuses but also a symbol of the welcoming spirit and vibrant University life. He acknowledged the donors for their generous financial contributions in achieving this milestone.
Prof. Dartey-Baah also announced the launch of a fundraising campaign for the Balme Library fountain project.
“The Balme Library, a cornerstone of our academic community, deserves a fountain that reflects its significance,” he said.
He further explained that the upcoming redevelopment of the Balme Library fountain would enhance the Library’s ambiance while providing a serene and appealing environment for studies and reflections.
The Vice-Chairman of Goldcrest Ibnav Ltd, Kojo Graham, Esq., in his remarks, underscored the relevance of a good environment in contributing to great academic excellence. He added that the project also seeks to preserve the University's heritage and culture, hence his company’s willingness to finance it.
He applauded the University’s leadership for their commitment to seeing to the completion of the project. “Great ideas can really turn into big ones if you have good leadership. What has happened today is a classic example of good leadership”, he said.
Mr. Serigne N. Mbaye, CEO of DHL Forwarding West Africa, emphasised the Company's commitment to making an impact beyond its core business. He informed the University that DHL intends to support many more such projects and encouraged students to make good use of the fountain.
Before officially commissioning the project, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, reflected on the University’s strategic plan saying, “Our strategic vision emphasises not only academic excellence but also the cultivation of creativity, innovation and well-being.”
She described the Balme Library project as a phase that will further enrich the transformative experience and create an environment that fosters creativity and collaboration.
Prof. Amfo seized the opportunity to thank the sponsors for their dedication to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the University and called for support from more partners towards the Balme Library fountain project.
Engineer Leslie Awere-Kyere, the Project Contractor, officially handed over the project to the University, emphasising the need for the fountain to be properly maintained.
Amidst claps and cheers, the Vice-Chancellor together with Engineer Leslie Awere-Kyere, Mr. Serigne N. Mbaye and Kojo Graham, Esq. unveiled a plaque and officially commissioned the facility.
To support the Balme Library Fountain Project, Goldcrest Ibnav Ltd. presented a cheque of one hundred and twenty thousand Ghana cedis (GHS120,000.00), while Gladiator Cycling Club and DHL Forwarding West Africa presented cheques of thirty thousand Ghana cedis (GHS30, 000.00), each.
The ceremony was witnessed by a section of the University community including SRC executives. The Aldersgate Choir of the Ghana Methodist Students Union (GHAMSU) enlivened the ceremony with melodious tunes.
