UEW Enhances Technical Capacity to Improve Project Delivery
The Directorate of Works and Physical Development at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has organised a two-day intensive workshop to enhance efficiency in infrastructure development and project execution across the university’s multiple campuses.
The workshop, held at the Students Centre from Wednesday, 18th to Thursday, 19th March, 2026, was on the theme “Enhancing Efficiency in Project Delivery” and brought together technical staff, consultants and key stakeholders within the Directorate.
In her opening remarks, Arc. Mrs. Grace Oppong Peprah, the Director of Works and Physical Development, emphasised the Directorate’s core mandate of providing and maintaining infrastructure to support the university’s academic mission. She noted that the growing student population and expanding institutional footprint have increased the complexity of project delivery, making it imperative for staff to continuously upgrade their skills and embrace modern technological approaches.
She indicated that the workshop was designed to build capacity, address recurring implementation challenges such as delays, cost overruns and coordination gaps, and equip participants with practical strategies to improve efficiency and ensure value for money in all projects.
Prof. Esther Yeboah Danso-Wiredu, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UEW, who represented management at the opening session, commended the Directorate for the initiative, describing it as both timely and strategic. She acknowledged the often-unseen contributions of technical staff, noting that while their work may not always be visible, it remains central to the university’s development agenda.
She further highlighted the difficulties associated with infrastructure development in resource-constrained environments, stressing that limited funding and logistical challenges frequently impact project timelines. She, therefore, urged staff to maximise the use of available resources and continue to deliver their best despite constraints. She also encouraged open engagement with management to address operational challenges and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting the Directorate in achieving its mandate.
Day one of the workshop featured thought-provoking presentations by industry experts, including Surv. Humphrey Amegadoe, who spoke extensively on the central theme, and Surv. Samuel Okyere, who delivered a presentation on “Conflict, Claims and the Blame Game: Preventing Disputes before they Start.” The sessions highlighted key challenges in project delivery such as inadequate planning, poor stakeholder engagement, weak coordination and limited resources.
Participants were taken through practical approaches to improving project outcomes, including effective communication, clearly defined roles, early stakeholder involvement, risk management and the integration of technology in project processes. The presenters also emphasised the need for continuous professional development, noting that the evolving nature of the construction industry requires practitioners to constantly update their knowledge and skills.
A key highlight of the discussions was the need to shift from a culture of blame to one of collaboration and solution-oriented thinking. Participants were encouraged to address conflicts at their early stages to prevent escalation into disputes that could derail project timelines and inflate costs. The importance of teamwork, mutual respect and proactive problem-solving was underscored as critical to achieving successful project delivery.
The second day of the workshop featured a masterclass session led by Arc. Mrs. Grace Oppong Peprah, which provided deeper insights into practical project management and infrastructure delivery within the university context. This was followed by a comprehensive review of the Directorate’s activities for the year 2025, allowing participants to reflect on achievements, identify gaps and draw lessons for improvement. The session also created a platform for strategic discussions on planned activities and priorities for 2026, with a focus on enhancing efficiency, embracing innovation and strengthening coordination across units.
The workshop forms part of UEW’s broader commitment to institutional development and excellence in service delivery. By equipping technical staff with relevant knowledge and skills, the university continues to position itself to deliver quality infrastructure that supports teaching, learning and research.
