The Alumni Association of Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University (DHLTU) in Wa in the Upper West Region, led by its chairman, Waris Annaaka, has expressed dissatisfaction with the governing council, accusing it of neglecting the institution’s development.
In a petition to the governing council, the alumni highlighted critical infrastructure challenges hindering the university’s growth, including the stalled 400-bed hostel facility, an incomplete internal road network, and an abandoned GETFund hostel project.
The association lamented the failure to initiate the 400-bed hostel project, noting that DHLTU was a beneficiary under the Tertiary Education Improvement Programme (TEIP) spearheaded by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
“It has come to our notice that our institution was a beneficiary of a 400-bed capacity hostel facility as part of the Tertiary Education Improvement Programme (TEIP) by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). It is also of interest to note that the contract was awarded and a parcel of land was allocated by the university for execution of same.”
They demanded explanations for the delays, arguing that these projects would have significantly improved the institution’s capacity and appeal had they been prioritized.
“We need responses from management regarding the abandoned GETFUND hostel facility can’t a firm decision be taken on that project to at least solve our housing issues for students which generally affects student intake in the institution?”
“The internal campus road network is another issue of public interest, the award of contract for this project was in initiated somewhere in 2020, a ceremony was held to introduce the contractor to the community and subsequently was led to hand over the site.
They pointed out that while other institutions had completed similar projects, DHLTU’s allocation remained unutilized despite a designated plot of land being secured for its execution.
The group also raised concerns over the abandoned GETFund hostel, describing it as a missed opportunity to address student housing challenges that have negatively impacted enrollment.
“Why can’t management make a firm decision to revive this project and alleviate the housing crisis affecting student intake?” they questioned.
Further criticisms were directed at the state of the university’s internal road network. According to the association, a contract for the road project was awarded in 2020, and a ceremonial site handover had taken place, but no significant progress has been made.
The alumni expressed frustration at what they perceive as the governing council’s lack of interest in the university’s advancement. They accused the council of prioritizing personal gains over the institution’s welfare and called for accountability.
As a measure to ensure stewardship, the alumni suggested halting service benefits for senior officers until tangible efforts are made to complete the delayed projects.