Dr Christine Amoako-Nuamah, Convener of the taskforce for the implementation of the two public universities, on Thursday called on the people of Brong Ahafo Region to give National Democratic Congress (NDC) another four-year term.

She said the NDC needed another term to complete more development projects.

Dr Amoako-Nuamah made the call in a speech read on her behalf at the official handing-over of a new administration block and other residential facilities for the commencement of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) at Fiapre, near Sunyani.

Dr Amoako-Nuamah, who was scheduled to stand in for the President, urged the people to take advantage of the university expected to take-off in September to improve on their lives in all aspects.

She said the establishment of the UENR was in fulfillment of the NDC’s campaign promise to the people of Brong Ahafo in particular and Ghanaians in general.

The convener emphasized that it was an undeniable fact that modern societies had a strong dependence on energy to meet essential needs in agriculture, transportation, health, housing, clothing and recreation.

The capacity of any nation to effectively harness these resources will determine the attainment of national economic and development goals, she said.

Dr Amoako-Nuamah noted the increasing demand for current knowledge and technology, skills for harnessing energy and natural resources and solving associated economic, social and environment problems.

This is the reason why the university is expected to play a leading role in the quest to meet such demands, and also to produce problem-solving graduates to address the developmental challenges of the nation.

Dr Amoako-Nuamah entreated the university authorities to work in collaboration with existing public universities to address common needs.

“It is only through effective collaboration and creation of the right partnership that we can, together, harness our resources to solve challenges in the education sector,” she said.

The convener called on authorities of the UENR to build a highly skilled and mobile scientific workforce for the future.

Professor Aba Bentsil Adam, Chairperson of the University Council who received the keys to all the 10 newly constructed and rehabilitated residential and academic facilities, observed that President John Atta-Mills had backed his words with deeds by carrying through his promise to establish the university in the region.

She said the appointment of an acting Vice Chancellor, Registrar, Development Officer and other core management staff of the university, as well as the establishment of the University Council, were clear indications that the UENR was poised to take off.

Prof Adam added that the university was an affirmation of the government’s commitment to ensuring quality service delivery at all levels.

She observed that the university was expected to provide leadership in science, technology and management of energy and natural sciences.

In a speech read on his behalf, Mr Lee Ocran, Minister of Education, called on the National Accreditation Board to certify programme accreditation for the university to admit students this academic year.**