Outline:
Expansion of Higher Education in Ghana
The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has taken a significant step forward by officially commissioning its Dominase campus in the Ashanti Region. This development marks a major milestone in the university’s mission to provide equitable access to quality higher education across the country.
Funded by the College of Distance Education (CoDE), the new facility is equipped with eleven lecture halls, twenty-seven offices, two libraries, one ICT laboratory, and three state-of-the-art science laboratories. In addition to these academic spaces, the campus features two residential blocks for students, a market shed, and group study areas, making it a comprehensive learning environment.
Currently, the campus offers the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology program. Starting from the next academic year, it will also admit students into the Bachelor of Commerce in Finance, Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, and Home Economics programs. This expansion is expected to meet the growing demand for higher education opportunities in the region.
Professor Johnson Nyarko Boampong, the Vice Chancellor of UCC, emphasized the university’s commitment to expanding access to higher education. He described the new campus as a beacon of academic excellence, innovation, and community development. “This is a testament to what perseverance, collaboration, and vision can achieve,” he said.
The project, which began in 2012 and was initially commissioned in 2016, faced several challenges due to lack of maintenance over the years. In December 2021, the university management re-awarded the contract to expand the scope of the project and undertake extensive renovations despite financial constraints.
Among the major works completed were the full replacement of the roof structure, including timber, ceiling noggins, joists, and roofing sheets, as well as the complete rehabilitation of all electrical systems. The compound and parking areas were paved, two septic tanks were constructed, and a security post and perimeter fence were built to enhance safety.
Prof Boampong urged students, faculty, staff, and the Dominase community to protect and maintain the facility to ensure it serves as a valuable resource for academic and community development. “Let us ensure that this investment yields lasting impact for our learners, our communities, and our nation,” he said.
Prof Anokye Mohammed Adam, Provost of CoDE, highlighted the prospects of the new campus. He noted that it had been fully accredited by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and assured continued efforts to position the campus as one of the best within the university. “We will expand gradually, adding more facilities until it could stand as a university on its own,” he stated.
He also thanked the chiefs and people of the Esumaja Traditional Area for hosting the university and called for their continued support. Prof Siaw Frimpong, the Director of the Campus, encouraged prospective students to choose the Dominase campus for their academic pursuits, emphasizing its conducive learning environment.
Nana Ntim Banahene, Krontihene of the Esumaja Traditional Area, expressed gratitude for the establishment of the first-ever university campus in the area and urged UCC to maintain the same high standards as those in Cape Coast.
The new campus adds to a series of projects completed under Prof Boampong’s leadership. This initiative reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to expanding educational opportunities and fostering regional development.