The Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church, Mid-Ghana Union Conference, has officially commenced the construction of a state-of-the-art 220-bed capacity Adventist Retreat Centre at Feyiase in the Bekwai Municipality of the Ashanti Region. The project, which will also serve as an extension campus of Valley View University, is being developed on a 79-acre land provided for the initiative.
The sod-cutting ceremony, held amidst pomp and excitement, attracted church leaders, traditional rulers, clergy, contractors, and members of the Feyiase community.
Delivering his address, Pastor (Dr.) Kwame Annor Boahen, President of the Mid-Ghana Union Conference, explained that the project has been awarded to Asumadu Construction Works Limited and is scheduled to be completed in 12 months for its first phase.
According to him, the retreat centre is envisioned to serve multiple purposes, including camp meetings, conferences, workshops, and training programs. Beyond that, the facility will also host an extension campus of Valley View University, complete with a medical school, thereby boosting educational opportunities in the region. “This project is not just for the SDA Church but for the entire society. It will contribute to spiritual growth, education, and development. The first phase will deliver a 220-bed hostel block to pave the way for full operations,” Dr. Boahen emphasized.
He further disclosed that various auxiliaries and associations within the SDA Church have already pledged their support towards ensuring the timely completion of the project.
On his part, Engineer Michael Oti Mensah, CEO of Asumadu Construction Works Limited, assured the church and community of high-quality work within the stipulated timeframe. While expressing his gratitude for the trust reposed in his company, he appealed to residents of Feyiase to safeguard construction tools, equipment, and building materials at the site. “We need the support of the entire community to ensure smooth execution. I urge residents not to tamper with or steal equipment and materials, but rather join hands in protecting this project so we can complete it on schedule,” he appealed.
Engineer Oti Mensah reaffirmed his company’s commitment to delivering excellence, promising to meet the expectations of the SDA Church and stakeholders.
In a goodwill message, Nana Osei Tutu, Chief of Feyiase, expressed his excitement at the commencement of the project, describing it as a historic milestone for the people of Feyiase. He called on the contractor to prioritize employing the youth of the town during the construction period. “Today is a joyous day for the people of Feyiase. This project will not only bring prestige to the community but also opportunities for our young people. I urge the contractor to ensure that the youth of Feyiase are fully engaged in the construction process,” the chief stressed.
The Adventist Retreat Centre and Valley View University extension campus, when completed, is expected to become a major hub for religious, educational, and social activities, contributing significantly to the development of the Bekwai Municipality and the Ashanti Region at large.
