The lecture hall [Inset: Prof. Ernest Aryeetey flanked by Samuel Sarpong and Lawrence Adu-Mante]
A 1,200-capacity examination and lecture theatre funded by the GCB Bank Limited has been commissioned at the University of Ghana, Legon.
The GH¢4.9 million building complex is equipped with the state-of-the-art facilities that provide a conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning.
Samuel Sarpong, Acting Managing Director of the bank, attributed the successful completion of the project to the strong and long-standing bond between the university and GCB.
“This is a vivid demonstration of a fruitful collaboration between academia and industry,” he said.
Mr. Sarpong paid glowing tribute to past managing directors of the bank from 2003 for their foresight and commitment which has culminated in the realization of the project.
The complex was initiated during the golden jubilee celebration of the bank. However, the initial plan was reviewed and expanded to accommodate more students in view of the growing student population and the strategic direction and development of the university.
He disclosed that an agency, which would provide digital banking services, would be established within the building for the convenience of the university community.
Mr. Sarpong indicated that the commitment to the project falls under the bank’s social responsibility to improving education in the country and announced that GCB has spent about GH¢10 million on its corporate social responsibility programme in the past four years.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Legon, Professor Ernest Ayeetey, said the new complex means a lot to the university.
He said as a result of the completion of the facility, examination periods of three weeks would now be reduced.
Professor Aryeetey said “the facility would make it possible for the University to host more international programmes and conferences.”
Describing it as a beautiful edifice, the Vice-Chancellor commended GCB for its tremendous support to the university over the years.
“This is ample testimony of a sustained relationship between academia and industry, the growth in relationship between the bank and the university.”
Present at the ceremony was a former Managing Director of GCB Bank Limited, Lawrence Adu-Mante.