By Erica Apeatua Addo, GNA
Tarkwa (W/R), March 09, GNA – AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine has reaffirmed its commitment to support the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, to develop graduates, who are not only academically sound but also industry-ready, and socially responsible.
According to Mr Stephen Adjei, the Senior Manager-Sustainability, AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, in a speech read on his behalf, the mining industry was evolving rapidly, and professionals who would lead tomorrow were those with technical competence, integrity, adaptability, and strong work ethics.
He made the pledge during the “Start Right, End Well” mentorship programme designed for first year students of the UMaT, Tarkwa and Essikado campus, added, “The journey to becoming such professionals starts now, in your first year”.
This was the fifth edition and was on the theme: “Focused Study, Strong Results”.
Mr. Adjei said for five years, the Mine had partnered with the UMaT and Ladies in Mining and Allied Professions-Ghana (LiMAP-Gh) to deliver mentorship programmes that guided students at critical stages of their academic journey.
He said from Start Right, End Well for first year students to Exit in Readiness for final year students, their goal was to prepare the students not only for academic success but also for life and career excellence.
Touching on the theme: the senior manager-sustainability said, although University life came with freedom, exposure, leadership opportunities, and sometimes distractions, the difference between strong results and bad results usually depended on how focused they remained.
He emphasised that the habits students formed in their first years on campus would determine the trajectory of their entire University journey.
They recognised that many students sought additional income while studying but the programme they were studying would expose them to responsible options that could be pursued without compromising their academics, he explained.
That, he mentioned, included paid internships during vacation periods, tutoring junior students, research assistant roles within departments, digital freelancing such as graphics design or coding and small-scale agribusiness ventures during holidays.
He urged the students that any income-generating activity had to complement their studies, not compete with them, saying “your degree remains your greatest long-term asset”
Mr. Adjei added “University is not only about books. It’s about leadership, character, and growth. Participate in student’s associations, take up leadership roles when you are ready, and build networks, but learn to balance these responsibilities with your academic obligations.”
He expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor of UMaT and members of the University Council, for conferring an honorary doctorate degree (Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa) on him recently, pledged to do more for his generation, and make the world a better place for everyone.
Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, Vice Chancellor of the UMaT, noted the issue of mentorship and coaching was very important in growing the next generation of professionals.
He expressed appreciation to AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine for supporting the programme all these years.
Prof. Amankwa advised students to start attending lectures and programmes on time because this was how they could build themselves for the future by getting into their profession while they were still at the developmental stage.
Miss. Angela Antaah, a first-year geological student, told journalists that the programme had given them a lot of guidance as first year students.
She said “Some of us, we were totally lost when we came to the University. We did not know what to do or where to seek help from, but this mentorship programme has helped us to know the way forward. We are grateful to AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, UMaT, and LiMAP-Gh”.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Linda Asante Agyei