Traditional leaders pledge support for new UEAS campus at Ohawu

Traditional leaders in the Ohawu area have pledged their support for the establishment of the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences (UEAS) campus at Ohawu in the Volta Region.

The pledge was made during a visit by the presidentially appointed UEAS Select Committee to the Ohawu Campus on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, as part of efforts to facilitate the transition of Ohawu Agricultural College (OAC) into a public university campus.

The delegation was led by Dr Emmanuel Newman, Director of Tertiary Education, and received by the Principal of OAC, Ernest M. K. Abiew.

The visit included stakeholder meetings in Akatsi and Ohawu, bringing together traditional leaders, college management, local government representatives, community members and private sector professionals.

The meetings focused on assessing existing infrastructure, land ownership arrangements, community support and the measures needed to make the new university fully operational.

UEAS was established under the UEAS Act, 2026 (Act 1169), with three campuses at Ohawu, Acherensua and Bonsu, which will serve as the institution’s headquarters.

During discussions on land ownership, Mr Abiew explained that the land associated with the college had previously been acquired by the government and used by Ohawu Agricultural College, the Crop Research Institute, the Soil Research Institute and a state farm.

Zikpuitor Jacob Agbemazor of Ohawu said the land was offered to the government in 1957 and that traditional leaders and residents had not initiated any litigation over it since then.

He described the area as peaceful and assured the committee of the community’s continued cooperation.

The committee also discussed the need to protect indigenous rights and cultural heritage during the development of the campus.

Dr Newman asked traditional authorities whether there were any shrines or sacred groves on the land earmarked for the university. The chiefs said there were none.

He, however, urged college management, municipal authorities and traditional leaders to verify and address any concerns about culturally significant sites before major construction works begin.

A key highlight of the visit was a pledge by Togbui Avafiamega of the Afife Traditional Area to make additional hectares of land available to support the university’s operations.

He said he hoped the institution would create opportunities for local people and contribute to national development.

The proposed campus is expected to build on the existing facilities and legacy of Ohawu Agricultural College while expanding opportunities for agricultural engineering education, scientific research and practical skills training.

Its location and links with agricultural institutions, rice projects, farmer-based organisations and other local economic activities are expected to support its development.

The Select Committee’s visit forms part of the government’s efforts to put in place the administrative and operational arrangements required to make UEAS fully functional.

Participants included the Municipal Chief Executive of Ketu North, Martin P. K. Amenaki; former OAC Principal Samuel Sarpong; Assistant Principal Mawuli Sevor; Ohawu Assembly Member Samuel Gamor; Agbotadua of Ohawu Bob Fugah; and UEAS Select Committee members Dr Evans Asigri and Francis Obeng.

In his closing remarks, Abiew thanked the committee, traditional authorities and other stakeholders for their participation and support.