Cape Coast, Feb. 11, GNA - Professor Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Vice-Chancellor of University of Cape Coast (UCC), on Wednesday cut the sod for work to begin on a multi-million Ghana Cedi permanent buildings for the UCC's School of Agriculture.

The first two phases of the project, being financed by Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFUND) at about GH¢3,790,812 include construction of offices, crop, meat and animal science laboratories, cold and plant rooms, chemical and general stores. They are expected to be completed within 24 months, while the third phase made up of the construction of a veterinary hospital, is yet to be awarded on contract.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang expressed appreciation that at long last the school, which was of a high international repute, but had "scattered premises" would soon have permanent buildings. She paid glowing tribute to the hard working staff of the school that had been a leader in relevant research, providing an outlet for agricultural extension officers and other related staff to enhance their activities in Ghana and the world. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang urged the contractor and consultant to ensure effective, efficient and timely execution of the project.

Professor Joseph Adjei Kwarteng, Dean of School of Agriculture, gave the assurance that it would continue to pursue academic and practical excellence to maintain its reputation as one of the best agricultural schools in the sub-region. He said land had been acquired for the establishment of a modern farm for the school and pledged that the project would be supervised by its development office to avoid unnecessary delay.