Tarkwa: President John Dramani Mahama has assured the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) of government support to resolve key institutional challenges raised by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Richard Kwasi Amankwah, including the licensing of a proposed small-scale mine, completing the Mining Museum of Ghana, and obtaining financial clearance for lecturer recruitment. Addressing the 18th Special Congregation of UMaT, which also coincided with an honorary doctorate degree presentation for his brother Ibrahim Mahama, President Mahama expressed optimism that the necessary license for the University's proposed small-scale mine would be issued before the ceremony ended, noting the presence of the Minerals Commission Chief Executive Officer and the sector minister.
According to Ghana Web, President Mahama explained that the mine will serve as a model small-scale operation for practical student training and a learning center for licensed small-scale miners. This initiative will also generate sustainable revenue to support the university and reduce its reliance on external funding. On the topic of the Mining Museum of Ghana and the proposed mining research center, President Mahama acknowledged delays caused by changes in funding arrangements following the reallocation of some mineral royalties to the government's Big Push program. He reiterated the government's commitment to the project and pledged to work with stakeholders to mobilize alternative funding to complete the facility.
President Mahama also addressed concerns regarding financial clearance for lecturer recruitment, noting that the issue affects several public universities and is actively being addressed by the Minister of Finance. He expressed confidence that a comprehensive clearance framework will soon be approved to ease staff shortages and support postgraduate students seeking academic careers.
In his address to the graduating class of 2025, President Mahama urged them to uphold professional ethics and prioritize safety, sustainability, and national interest in their practice. He reminded them that Ghana expects responsible leadership from its technically trained workforce. He concluded by affirming the government's commitment to strengthening specialized universities such as UMaT and pledged to continue collaboration with management and stakeholders to expand infrastructure and position the institution as a center of excellence for mining and technology education in Africa.