UCC secures 28,000-bed student accommodation project

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GSC Property Investment Limited for the development of a 28,000-bed student accommodation facility estimated at US$500 million.

The project will be developed under a 30-year Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) arrangement, with 25 hectares of UCC land allocated for the facility.

Plans for the project include 28 dormitory blocks, commercial and catering centres, an entertainment and cinema centre, student activity facilities, parking spaces and other supporting infrastructure.

Speaking after witnessing the signing, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu said the project would not require direct government funding or a sovereign guarantee.

He, however, noted that the agreement was subject to the required government approvals, including Cabinet and Parliamentary approval, Ministry of Finance processes and a Value for Money assessment.

The Minister also urged UCC to keep accommodation fees affordable, particularly as the cost of private hostels continues to rise.

He said the project could help address accommodation challenges in public universities and encouraged other institutions to consider similar public-private partnership arrangements.

By Agnes Kusi