President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to completing abandoned and stalled public projects across Ghana, saying taxpayer-funded investments must be put to productive use.
The President committed on Thursday, August 13, 2026, when he inspected the ongoing four-storey central laboratory complex at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) in Navrongo as part of his #ResettingGhana Tour of the Upper East Region.
The laboratory project, which began in 2016 but was subsequently stalled, is expected to be completed and handed over in 2027.
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The facility is expected to provide modern infrastructure to support teaching, scientific research, innovation and practical training at UTAS.
Abandoned projects
President Mahama said the government is determined to ensure that abandoned projects on which public funds had already been invested are completed and put to use.
He described the UTAS laboratory as an important investment in Ghana’s education and scientific development, stressing the need to maximise the value of public expenditure.
The President’s position forms part of his administration’s broader effort to identify and complete abandoned public projects across the country.
During the inspection, President Mahama also directed the Ministry of Roads and Highways to include UTAS’s request for approximately five kilometres of internal roads in its project inventory.
He described the request as achievable and directed the ministry to take the necessary steps towards addressing the infrastructure needs of the university.
The internal road project is expected to improve accessibility and movement within the university campus while supporting the institution’s ongoing expansion.
Medical school plan
President Mahama also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.
He expressed support for UTAS’s plans to establish a medical school, saying the initiative could contribute to expanding Ghana’s capacity to train doctors and other healthcare professionals.
The proposed medical school would further broaden the university’s academic programmes while supporting the country’s long-term efforts to increase the number of trained medical professionals.
President Mahama’s inspection of the UTAS laboratory forms part of his ongoing engagements across the Upper East Region, where he is assessing development projects and outlining his government’s priorities under the Resetting Ghana agenda.