President assures UMaT of mining licence and staffing clearance

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 licencing of a proposed small-scale mine, completing the Mining Museum of Ghana and 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 said he expected the necessary licence for the University’s proposed small-scale mine to be issued before the ceremony’s ending – noting the Minerals Commission Chief Executive Officer and sector minister’s presence.

He explained that the mine will serve as a model small-scale operation for practical student training and a learning centre for licenced small-scale miners, while also generating sustainable revenue to support the university and reduce its reliance on external funding.

On the Mining Museum of Ghana and proposed mining research centre, President Mahama acknowledged delays caused by changes in funding arrangements following reallocation of some mineral royalties to government’s Big Push programme.

He however reiterated government’s commitment to the project and pledged to work with stakeholders in mobilising alternative funding to complete the facility.

Touching on concerns about financial clearance for lecturer recruitment, the president said the issue affects several public universities and is actively addressed by the Minister of Finance.

He expressed confidence that a comprehensive clearance framework will soon be approved to ease staff shortages and support post-graduate students seeking academic careers.

Congratulating the graduating class of 2025, President Mahama urged them to uphold professional ethics and place safety, sustainability and national interest at the centre of their practice; reminding them that Ghana expects responsible leadership from its technically trained workforce.

He concluded that government is committed to strengthening specialised universities such as UMaT and pledged to continue collaboration with management and stakeholders to expand infrastructure and position the institution as a centre of excellence for mining and technology education in Africa.