Mr Eric Edem Agbana, Member of Parliament (MP) for Ketu North, has announced that the Ohawu Agricultural College will be upgraded into a campus of the proposed University of Agriculture and Engineering Sciences to be established at Bunso in the Eastern Region.
Speaking during his fourth quarterly Accountability Series at Tadzewu, Mr Agbana explained that the university project, which has been in the pipeline for several years, has received significant financial backing from the Government of Korea to support its establishment.
He said the government had decided to adopt a multi-campus approach to fast-track the operationalisation of the university instead of waiting several years for the completion of a single main campus.
According to him, although Ohawu was not initially included in the project design, sustained engagement led to its consideration and eventual inclusion as one of the campuses of the proposed institution.
Mr Agbana noted that the legislative processes had been completed, and following parliamentary approval, President John Dramani Mahama assented to the bill, paving the way for the inclusion of Ohawu as an agricultural campus of the university.
He acknowledged concerns raised by some residents who had expected the establishment of a fully-fledged university at Ohawu from the outset but explained that the campus model was a strategic and proven approach to developing higher education institutions.
The MP cited examples such as the University of Education, Winneba, which evolved from a campus of the University of Cape Coast, as well as the University for Development Studies, which began with multiple campuses including Navrongo, Nyankpala, and Wa before attaining full university status.
Mr Agbana emphasised that the transition of Ohawu Agric College into a university campus would significantly transform the institution, expanding its scope from certificate and diploma programmes to include degree and postgraduate studies.
He said the development would attract infrastructure investment, increase student enrolment, and stimulate economic activity within the Ketu North Municipality.
“Currently, the facility does not reflect the status expected of a higher institution, but with this upgrade, we will see major improvements in infrastructure and academic programmes,” he stated.
He indicated that the presence of a university campus would create business opportunities for local traders, transport operators, and service providers, while boosting the overall socio-economic development of the area.
Mr Agbana expressed optimism that the campus status would be a transitional phase towards eventually attaining a full university status in the Volta Region.
He said the main campus of the University of Agriculture and Engineering Sciences would be located at Bunso, with Ohawu designated as the agricultural campus, complementing the engineering-focused programmes at the main site.
The MP commended traditional leaders, government, and stakeholders to support the initiative and called for continued collaboration to ensure the successful establishment and growth of the institution.
GNA
