To strengthen the operations of the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SD Dombo UBIDS), the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has assured the institution of government’s commitment to offsetting its longstanding debt owed to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

The Minister made this pledge during the official inauguration of the University’s Governing Council at a brief ceremony held in Accra.

Members of the council were sworn in, taking both the Oath of Office and Oath of Secrecy, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the university’s governance.

Addressing the newly constituted Council, Mr. Iddrisu acknowledged the financial challenges faced by the university, particularly the burden of the ECG legacy debt.

He noted that the Ministry will work closely with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to ensure the debt is cleared, allowing the institution to focus on its academic and developmental priorities.

“S.D. Dombo has not seen any significant support in terms of infrastructure. I am happy to announce that this year, the government, through GETFund, will make available some seed funding for the university. This is part of President Mahama’s broader vision to support the institution’s growth,” the Minister stated.

He further urged the Governing Council to provide strategic direction and support to enable the university to thrive, assuring them of the government’s continued backing, especially in the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects under GETFund.

Dr. Benjamin Kumbour, who chairs the newly inaugurated Governing Council, pledged the council’s commitment to restoring and enhancing the university’s fortunes.

He emphasised the importance of community and private sector involvement in the development of the institution.

“We, on our part, will also explore private initiatives and engage the local community to contribute to the growth and development of SD Dombo University,” Dr. Kumbour said.

In a related development, the Education Minister announced that the government is preparing to present a bill to Parliament for the establishment of a new University of Agriculture and Life Sciences in Kintampo.

This upcoming institution will primarily serve the Bono Region and will align with Ghana’s national agricultural development strategy.

Despite agriculture being a pillar of the economy for decades, the sector continues to suffer from underinvestment and a lack of modernisation.

The proposed university is expected to help bridge this gap by training professionals and conducting research to advance sustainable agricultural practices in Ghana.