Ahafo kenyasi: A delegation from the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, recently visited Odeneho Dadieko Kwabena Nsiah Ababio, Omanhene of Kenyasi No. 2, to discuss the establishment of a UMaT campus in Kenyasi. This development follows approval from the Ministry of Education.
According to Ghana News Agency, the meeting was attended by traditional authorities, government representatives, and members of the Board of Trustees of the Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADEF). The government delegation included Mrs. Charity Gardiner, Ahafo Regional Minister, and Mr. Hafiz Dauda Dabeil, District Chief Executive.
The UMaT delegation, led by Vice Chancellor Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, included Mrs. Grace Ofori-Sarpong Akuffo, Pro Vice Chancellor; Dr. Theophilus Andoh-Robertson, Registrar; Mr. Papa Yaw Attobraht, Director of Works and Physical Development; and Associate Professor Cynthia Boye, Director of Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODEL).
Odeneho Ababio expressed appreciation for the University's engagement with the Traditional Council and reiterated his commitment to the project's success. The Omanhene revealed that the initiative, which began in 2015, has made significant progress, with existing infrastructure including a four-storey lecture block, two ICT labs, and a 96-bed hostel facility already in place.
Mrs. Gardiner emphasized the importance of the campus for Kenyasi and the Ahafo Region, assuring that the government and NADEF would support its successful operationalisation. Mr. Dabeil echoed these sentiments, highlighting the opportunities the campus will create for local youth.
Professor Amankwah assured stakeholders of UMaT's readiness to bring quality tertiary education to Kenyasi. He announced plans to introduce certificate programs as a precursor to full academic operations, aligning with UMaT's strategic goal of expanding access to higher education.
Following the meeting, the delegation, led by Mr. Gabriel Adu Bonsut, toured the proposed campus to assess its development. They inspected facilities such as lecture blocks, laboratories, and hostel accommodations, and discussed improvements needed for student welfare and campus readiness.
Stakeholders emphasized equipping the campus with modern teaching and laboratory facilities and reviewed infrastructure such as roads and utilities to support future academic and administrative activities.
Professor Amankwah praised the Traditional Council and stakeholders for their progress, stating that the assessment would guide UMaT in preparing the campus for academic programs. Traditional Council representatives reaffirmed their support for the University and expressed optimism about the campus's potential impact on education and socio-economic growth in the region.