A sod-cutting and ground-breaking ceremony took place at the project site on March 9, 2007 to celebrate the right of entry for Darko Investment Company Limited to begin the development of Darko Hostels at the University of Ghana, Legon.

The ceremony officially marked the beginning of the construction of hostels and ancillary facilities to house and support 800 to 1200 students. The complete build out will include 2 blocks consisting of 6 wings each interconnected by hallways and open spaces. Ancillary facilities including a conference center, study rooms, internet café’s, gyms and laundromats will also be provided to ensure a “home away from home” environment. Courtyards and beautiful landscaping will complement the gated 3 acre property.

In his speech, the President and CEO of Darko Investment Company Limited, Michael Darko reiterated that the project will be designed and constructed with green building and lean construction technology to improve student productivity, reduce construction costs and deliver quality hostels at an affordable cost. This will be achieved through the dynamic duo of Michael Darko, a registered professional engineer in California, USA who is also LEED AP certified and his father, Emmanuel Owusu Darko, Managing Consultant of Zenith Engineering Services who has been designing and constructing buildings in Ghana since 1979. The design and construction team will combine the best of western and local technology, expertise and experience to deliver a unique product.

The Guest of Honor, Hon. O.B. Amoah, Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Sports who attended in place of the Chief of Staff, Hon. Kwadwo Mpiani commended Darko Investment Company for undertaking such a project which will help ease the housing shortage at the University of Ghana, Legon. Hon. O. B. Amoah also promised that the Government of Ghana and his ministry would do everything it can to support the project.

Construction is on schedule and Phase 1 is expected to be completed by December, 2007. For more on this story and to keep up on the construction work through webcam, please go to www.ghanahostels.com.