By Benjamin A. Commey, GNA
Accra, Nov. 18, GNA – The African Development Bank (AfDB) has urged strict adherence to the completion timeline for the Ghana News Agency (GNA) Head Office rehabilitation to allow for project evaluation.
Dr Patience Ekoh Ugonma, Principal Social Economist and Task Manager at the AfDB for the Post-COVID-19 Skills Development and Productivity Enhancement Project (PSDPEP), issued the directive during a site inspection in Accra.
She was accompanied by Mr Abass Nurudeen, Project Coordinator, and other technical team members.
“This is two years into the project implementation. We want to be sure that at least the project is finished, and we have one week, one more year to utilise the facilities that have been put on the ground, so that we can capture the impact,” she said.
The rehabilitation, which began in April 2025, is expected to be completed within eight months.
It is funded by AfDB under PSDPEP, with the Social Investment Fund (SIF) as the implementing agency and Brison Construction Company Ltd as the contractor.
Dr Ugonma described progress between April and November as “very impressive,” noting that the structure was already up.
She said the upgraded facility would enhance communication, visibility, and counter misinformation, especially regarding interventions targeting micro, small, and medium enterprises.
She expressed satisfaction with the design and execution, stating that no major corrections were required.
Providing a progress update, Mr Harrison Addo, Site Engineer, said the project was 75–80 per cent complete.
Internal works were finished, painting had commenced, and external works including paving and fence wall remoulding were ongoing.
He said that aluminium window frames had been replaced due to poor initial condition.
Mr Addo cited financial challenges, noting that delays in honouring interim payment certificates had affected cash flow.
He urged stakeholders to ensure timely payments to meet the mid-January deadline.
Mr Nurudeen said the team was impressed with the progress, describing the rehabilitation as foundational for subsequent equipping and furnishing.
“If we are unable to get this out in good time, we will not be able to do that,” he said.
Mr Nurudeen expressed hope that the contractor would maintain or accelerate the current pace.
He stated that the project was consistent with the digitalisation agenda outlined in the national budget, adding that PSDPEP had envisioned GNA’s digital transformation prior to the current administration’s tenure.
Mr Nurudeen said the upgraded facility and equipment would position GNA competitively among global media organisations.
He said that future investment would depend on how effectively the Agency leveraged the project’s outcomes.
Mr Nurudeen said GNA was expected to play a key role in reporting on health, micro-enterprises, and national development, and that post-project evaluation would determine further support.
Mr Maynard Korley, Project Consultant, said the building’s frame was sound, and refurbishment focused on improving the envelope, glazing, flooring, ceilings, doors, windows, and sanitary systems.
He noted that additional needs had emerged, resulting in approved variations.
He added that while such add-ons often triggered time extensions, a well-resourced contractor could still meet the deadline if payments were made promptly.
Mr Albert Kofi Owusu, General Manager of GNA, said the Agency had long sought funding to modernise its operations, particularly in digital media production.
He said the rehabilitation included a multimedia suite for television, radio, and online content.
Mr Owusu emphasised the responsibility on staff to demonstrate value for money, noting that AfDB expected GNA to effectively communicate activities under the project.
“With our news products going beyond the borders of this country, there will be a lot of expectations on us,” he said.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey