In a strategic move to ensure profitability and enhance student benefits, the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Hostels Ltd., Rev. Charles Frimpong Manso, and the Head of Finance, Mr. Osmond Kwashie, paid a working visit to the Management of the University for Development Studies (UDS).

During his address to the University's Management, Rev. Frimpong Manso recounted the history of Ghana Hostels Ltd. at UDS, emphasizing the importance of the visit in cementing this longstanding relationship. "The university should have a say on who should be at our hostels, and we are here to see how the university can integrate our facilities into the university application process," he stated.

Rev. Frimpong Manso also urged the university to support Ghana Hostels Ltd. by turning its facilities into one of their traditional halls, which would significantly contribute to the hostels' profitability. He highlighted the ongoing massive renovations at their 144-bed capacity facility, aiming to provide improved accommodation for students. Mr. Osmond Kwashie also stressed the potential benefits of closer collaboration between Ghana Hostels Ltd. and the university.

On the part of the University's Management, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elliot H. Alhassan, welcomed the delegation and thanked the management of Ghana Hostels Ltd. for their visit. He elaborated on the university's plans to expand its hostels and emphasized the need for Ghana Hostels Ltd. to initiate more projects to accommodate the growing student population, driven by the introduction of new courses.

The Management of UDS expressed their willingness to explore ways to integrate the hostel facilities into the university's application process, ensuring a seamless and beneficial relationship for all parties involved.

The Hall Master at the Nyankpala campus, Prof. Raphael Adu Gyamfi, discussed opportunities for building and expanding hostels and the importance of incorporating modern designs into the architecture. He explained how the university could assist Ghana Hostels Ltd. in ensuring that the environment is safe and conducive for learning.

The Director of Finance, Dr. Mohammed Hardi Shaibu, addressed the modalities and alternative measures to ensure that students receive value for their money while staying at the hostels. He outlined some measures to reduce utility costs and ensure Ghana Hostels get their money when students pay for their hostel fees. Dr. Musah Alhassan, Dean of Students at the university urged Ghana Hostels to ensure that students are prioritized at all times.

Ing. Kwame Debrah, the Director of Works and Physical Departments, urged Ghana Hostels Ltd. to prioritize the design of their buildings to create safe spaces for residents. The Estate Officer of the university, Ing. Shaibu Saaka, was also present at the meeting.

The meeting marks a significant step towards strengthening the partnership between Ghana Hostels Ltd. and the University for Development Studies, aiming to provide students with enhanced living conditions and support the financial sustainability of the hostel facilities.

Story by:  Sumaila Mohammed (UDS Media)