By Erica Apeatua Addo
Tarkwa (W/R), June 2, GNA – A total of 95 students who completed various programmes at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, in the Western Region, have been awarded degrees and diplomas at a mini congregation.
Out of the number, five were awarded Doctor of Philosophy degrees, 18 Master’s degrees, 21 postgraduate diplomas, and 47 Bachelor of Science degrees in their respective engineering programmes.
Addressing the ceremony, Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, Vice Chancellor of UMaT, announced that three distinguished Ghanaians who have contributed significantly to the growth of the University and the mining industry would be conferred with honorary doctorate degrees.
He said two past principal officers would also be honoured for their hard work and commitment to advancing the cause of the institution. To immortalise their names, some key buildings in the University would be named after them.
The distinguished personalities are Dr J. L. Borsah, the third Principal of the School of Mines, and Professor Emeritus Komla Dzigbodi-Adjimah, the Foundation Pro Vice Chancellor of UMaT and former Vice Principal of the Western University College.
Prof Amankwah congratulated the graduands and urged them, as they transitioned to the next stage of their lives, to uphold the University’s core values of knowledge, truth, excellence, and integrity.
The Vice Chancellor expressed gratitude to the Government for its monthly subventions and for granting financial clearance to employ 35 staff members.
“We are hoping that the Vice Chancellors Ghana request for automatic replacement of staff who exit the universities in Ghana will be accepted by the government,” he said.
Prof Amankwah said the University had collaborated with the Western Regional Coordinating Council, under the leadership of the Regional Minister, to implement innovative solutions to real-world challenges, including the use of drones to monitor entry points of river pollutants and support cleanup efforts.
He added that the University had also presented a proposal on converting waste plastics into diesel for possible use at the Aboadze Thermal Plant.
“We want to thank the Minister for championing these innovations from the University,” he noted.
Mr Joseph Nelson, Western Regional Minister, advised the graduands to strive to make meaningful contributions to Ghana, Africa, and the global community, regardless of where their professional journeys may lead them.
He commended the Governing Council, Management, staff, and the entire UMaT community for their unwavering commitment to academic excellence, research, innovation, and professional training over the years.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Erica Apeatua Addo
[email protected]