Public university for Volta Region to take off 2010

Ho, June 17, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills has instructed the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to begin discussions with the Volta Regional Minister for work to begin on the establishment of a state university in the region.

Following the directive, an interim committee is being constituted to facilitate preliminary arrangements.

Mr Joseph Amenowode, Volta Regional Minister told the Volta Regional House of Chiefs at its meeting in Ho on Wednesday, which attracted a loud applause and excitement.

He said the preliminary decisions were that the university would not begin in an existing educational facility; all efforts must be made to have the first intake by September 2010, as well as establish a secretariat as soon as possible.

Mr Amenowode said the National Democratic Congress government would establish at least two public universities and named the other as University of Health and Allied Sciences at Ho with a campus at Hohoe. He appealed to the chiefs to help address the issue of falling standards of education in the region.

"The problems leading to the decline are well known. We must together begin to find solutions to them".

Mr Amenowode also appealed to them to prevail on their subjects to be patient with the government as it makes efforts to redeem its promises to the region.

"We of the Volta region are the kingmakers and I believe that places a responsibility on us to help the "King" to succeed", he said.