UCC to get 28,000-bed hostel facility under $500 million PPP arrangement

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) will soon benefit from a 28,000-bed hostel facility following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between UCC and Ghana Schools Completion (GSC). The investment of approximately US$500 million will be made through a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) model, a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approach. The construction of 28 dormitory blocks, providing accommodation for up to 28,000 students, is expected to be completed within five years.

UCC Minister Haruna Iddrisu emphasized that the project will not incur any direct costs to the state, as the university will repay the investment through student accommodation fees. The charges are expected to remain affordable for students, although the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto, has been directed to ensure this. Following a 30-35 year operational period, the facility's ownership will be transferred to UCC.

Beyond the dormitory blocks, the project will include a commercial center, catering facilities, entertainment and cinema centers, a student activity center, parking facilities, and other supporting infrastructure. The Minister highlighted the importance of this initiative in addressing the accommodation deficit at UCC and potentially reducing the exorbitant charges imposed by some private hostel operators.

He also encouraged other public universities to consider similar PPP arrangements to expand their infrastructure and enhance access to higher education, learning, innovation, and research.