The University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences is set to admit its first batch of students in October 2026, as government moves to settle outstanding debts that stalled construction of the new project which started in 2022.

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu announced the timeline during a visit to the project site, where he assured that government is committed to clearing all outstanding financial obligations to enable the completion and operationalisation of the university.

According to the Minister, construction of the $90 million university, funded with support from the Korean government, stalled after Ghana entered a debt exchange programme, constraining public spending and delaying payments to contractors.

“There is an outstanding $9.8 million with the Ministry of Finance, and cumulatively, about $28.6 million remains unpaid. We are confident these obligations will be honoured,” Mr Iddrisu said.

He explained that government’s commitment to settling the debt is central to restarting and completing the project, which includes the School of Engineering, the School of Agricultural Sciences, lecture halls, laboratories, hostels, a cafeteria and an exhibition centre.

The Minister disclosed that the university will begin academic work with an initial intake of 800 students — 400 in Agricultural Sciences and 400 in Engineering and related disciplines — once it officially takes off in October 2026.

Mr Iddrisu further indicated that the establishment of the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences is subject to the passage of a bill by Cabinet and Parliament before March 30.

He expressed optimism that the legislative process will be completed in time to allow full preparations for the university’s first admissions.

Government, he added, is also exploring additional concessionary financing to expand the project, with President John Dramani Mahama expected to seek further support from South Korea during a planned state visit later this year.

The university is expected to strengthen Ghana’s capacity in engineering, agriculture, research and innovation, while deepening academic and cultural cooperation between Ghana and South Korea.