Ho Technical University (HTU) has officially cut sod for the construction of its Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA)-supported Biomedical Engineering Training Facility Project. The ceremony, held on Friday, July 10, 2026, brought together Management, staff, representatives of SIFA and project partners, as well as officials of 5J’S Ghana Limited, marking the beginning of work on the facility.
Providing an overview of the project, the HTU Project Coordinator, Dr. Jennifer E. Adaletey, recounted the project’s journey from its successful funding approval to the commencement of construction and expressed appreciation to all project partners for their unwavering support. She noted that the initiative is the result of years of planning, stakeholder engagements, and procurement processes aimed at establishing a modern biomedical engineering training centre at HTU.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ben Q. Honyenuga, commended the University’s project implementation team for their dedication and resilience throughout the planning process. He expressed excitement at witnessing the commencement of construction, describing it as the realisation of a long-held vision. He noted that biomedical engineering remains an underdeveloped field in many parts of Africa, stressing that the University is determined to contribute to building a skilled workforce capable of maintaining and repairing biomedical equipment locally.
Prof. Honyenuga expressed confidence that the completed facility which is the first of its kind in Ghana, would significantly strengthen technical education and healthcare support services. He further encouraged students to take full advantage of the opportunities the facility would offer, urging them to pursue excellence so that the country can develop sufficient local expertise instead of relying on foreign professionals.
Speaking on behalf of 5J’S Ghana Limited, the company awarded the construction contract, the Managing Director, Mr. Joseph Dzamesi, expressed appreciation for the cordial working relationship established with HTU and the project partners. He pledged the company’s commitment to delivering a high-quality facility that meets all required specifications.
The project which involves the rehabilitation and extension of the existing Electrical/Electronic Engineering Block upon completion, will house four (4) specialised laboratories designed to provide hands-on training in the maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of biomedical equipment, reaffirming the University’s commitment to strengthening biomedical engineering education through practical and industry-oriented training.