UMaT to establish new campus in Kenyasi following government approval

Correspondence from the Western Region

The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, is set to establish a new campus at Kenyasi in the Ahafo Region following approval from the Ministry of Education.

As part of efforts to advance the project, a high-powered delegation from UMaT paid a courtesy call on the Omanhene of Kenyasi No. 2, Odeneho Dadieko Kwabena Nsiah Ababio, to discuss plans for the operationalisation of the proposed campus.

The meeting brought together traditional leaders, government officials and representatives of the Board of Trustees of the Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF), underscoring the broad support for the initiative.

The government delegation included Ahafo Regional Minister Charity Gardiner and District Chief Executive Hafiz Dauda Dabeil. The UMaT team was led by Vice Chancellor Professor Richard K. Amankwah and comprised senior members of the university's management.

Welcoming the delegation, Odeneho Dadieko Kwabena Nsiah Ababio described the proposed campus as a long-held dream and expressed gratitude to UMaT for engaging the Traditional Council on the project.

“The establishment of this campus has been one of my cherished aspirations, and I remain committed to ensuring its successful completion,” he said.

The Omanhene revealed that work on the project began in 2015 and highlighted the significant infrastructure already in place.

Existing facilities include a four-storey lecture block with eight classrooms and space for two ICT laboratories, two 120-seater pavilions, two laboratories, an administration block, a 96-bed hostel facility, a lecturer's bungalow and a library currently under construction.

He added that plans are underway to construct a 300-bed hostel to support future student accommodation needs.

Speaking at the meeting, Charity Gardiner described the campus project as a major milestone for the region.

“The establishment of the UMaT campus is of great importance to the people of Kenyasi and the entire Ahafo Region,” she said, assuring the university of government support and commitment to the successful take-off of the campus.

Hafiz Dauda Dabeil also welcomed the initiative, noting that it would expand access to higher education for young people in the area. He commended the Omanhene and the Kenyasi Traditional Council for their dedication to educational development.

Professor Richard K. Amankwah assured stakeholders of UMaT's readiness to deliver quality tertiary education in Kenyasi and surrounding communities. He disclosed that the university plans to begin with selected certificate programmes before rolling out full academic operations.

According to him, the establishment of the Kenyasi campus aligns with UMaT's strategic goal of expanding access to higher education, particularly in mining and related disciplines.

Following the meeting, Chairman of the Kenyasi Scholarship Development Committee, Gabriel Adu Bonsu, led the delegation on a tour of the proposed campus.

Stakeholders discussed measures to improve student accommodation, security and welfare services, while emphasising the need for modern teaching and laboratory equipment to support practical training and research.

The inspection also enabled the university to identify critical infrastructure, equipment and logistical requirements necessary for the smooth commencement of operations. Access roads, utility services and the overall campus environment were also reviewed.

Professor Amankwah praised the Traditional Council and stakeholders for the progress achieved over the years, noting that the assessment would help the university determine the interventions needed before academic programmes begin.

Representatives of the Traditional Council reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with UMaT and other partners to address outstanding infrastructure needs.

They expressed confidence that the campus would contribute significantly to education, skills development and socio-economic growth in Kenyasi and the wider Ahafo Region.