Kenyasi: The Government has earmarked GHS50 million for the full operationalisation of the Kenyasi Number Two Campus of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in the Ahafo Region. Mr Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education, announced this during the commissioning of the university campus at Kenyasi Number Two in the Asutifi North District.
According to Ghana News Agency, the campus project was initiated by the Kenyasi Number Two Traditional Council, while the Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF) financed the construction of a four-storey lecture block for the commencement of academic activities. Constructed at a cost of more than GHS13.9 million, the facility comprises eight lecture halls, an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) laboratory, modern furniture, and an elevator. NADeF also presented a Toyota Hilux pickup vehicle to the university.
Mr Iddrisu mentioned that the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) was procuring buses for educational institutions and assured that the Kenyasi Number Two Campus of UMaT would benefit from the distribution. He expressed gratitude towards the chiefs and people of the area for supporting the establishment of the campus and urged students to seize the opportunity to pursue academic excellence.
Responding to an appeal from the traditional authorities, the Minister pledged to facilitate the expansion of infrastructure at the Kenyasi Number Two OLA Girls Senior High School. He stated that the Government would rehabilitate the school's dormitories, construct laboratories, and provide it with a new bus. Mr Iddrisu also commended Newmont Ghana Gold Limited for its continued support for community development through NADeF and encouraged the company to increase its contribution to the Foundation.
Mr Alex Kofi Annin, General Manager of the Ahafo South Mine of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited, emphasized that the true value of mining should be assessed by the lives it improves and the opportunities it creates for sustainable development. He noted that many employees of the Ahafo South Mine were graduates of UMaT and currently held key positions within the company.
Mr Annin highlighted the collaborative efforts with host communities to strengthen education and skills development in the Ahafo Region through investment in training and critical infrastructure. Key investments include the Ntotroso College of Nursing, the Kenyasi Police Training School, and the proposed College of Education being championed by the Kenyasi Number One Traditional Council.
Professor Yaw Ofosu-Kusi, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of NADeF, explained that the Foundation was funded through Newmont's commitment of US$1 from every ounce of gold sold and one per cent of its annual pre-tax net profit from the Ahafo Mine. He outlined the Foundation's focus on community participation, ownership, and independent governance, guided by the principles of integrity, respect, stewardship, participation, inclusiveness, and transparency.
Odeneho Dadeako Nsiah Ababio, Paramount Chief of the Kenyasi Number Two Traditional Area, expressed appreciation to the Government for supporting the establishment of the UMaT campus and appealed for expanded infrastructure development at the Kenyasi Number Two OLA Girls Senior High School.