Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has stepped up government efforts to engage Chinese technical and financial partners to accelerate construction of the proposed University of Science and Technology in Damongo, located in the Savannah Region.
The push comes as the ministry outlines strategic infrastructure plans for the new tertiary institution following the initial US$30 million grant agreement signed earlier between the Ministry of Finance and the Chinese government.
Addressing stakeholders and media representatives on Wednesday, the Education Minister disclosed that while the preliminary US$30 million grant secured from China provides vital momentum, additional capital investment and technical collaboration will be required to execute the full master plan for the university.
“The US$30 million grant secured from China is a very welcome foundation for the Damongo University project,” Haruna Iddrisu stated. “However, given the scope of modern science, technology, and engineering infrastructure required for a fully functional university campus, we are actively engaging Chinese development partners to expand the support framework and expedite execution.”
Bridging the Tertiary Infrastructure Gap in the Savannah Region
The establishment of the university in Damongo forms a central pillar of the government’s regional equity agenda aimed at expanding access to higher education and technical research in northern Ghana. The proposed campus is planned alongside complementary facilities, including a teaching hospital, to anchor healthcare and scientific education in the region.
“President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for the Savannah Region requires world-class academic laboratories, lecture halls, administrative blocks, and residential facilities,” the Minister emphasized. “We are working closely with Chinese contractors and development agencies to ensure that design standards are met, timelines are strictly adhered to, and additional resource streams are mobilized without delay.”
The Education Ministry confirmed that multi-agency technical discussions with Chinese diplomatic and engineering teams are ongoing to finalize site surveys, architectural designs, and phased construction schedules ahead of groundbreaking on the project.
