By Erica Apeatua Addo
Tarkwa (W/R), June 22, GNA – A delegation from the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, has paid a courtesy call on Odeneho Dadieko Kwabena Nsiah Ababio, Omanhene of Kenyasi No. 2, to discuss plans for the establishment of a UMaT campus in Kenyasi following approval granted by the Ministry of Education.
The meeting brought together 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 was led by Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, Vice Chancellor, and 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), among others.
Welcoming the delegation, Odeneho Ababio expressed appreciation to the University Management for engaging the Traditional Council on the development of the proposed campus.
He noted that the establishment of the campus had long been one of his cherished aspirations and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the project became a reality.
According to the Omanhene, the initiative began in 2015 and has since recorded significant progress.
He said existing infrastructure includes a four-storey lecture block with eight classrooms and provisions 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.
The Omanhene further disclosed plans by the community to construct an additional 300-bed hostel facility for the campus.
Mrs Gardiner described the establishment of the campus as a matter of great importance to the people of Kenyasi and the entire Ahafo Region.
She assured the University of Government’s commitment and the support of NADEF towards the successful operationalisation of the campus.
Mr Dabeil reiterated that the establishment of the campus would create greater opportunities for young people to pursue higher education.
He commended the Omanhene and the Kenyasi Traditional Council for their unwavering commitment to educational development in the area.
Addressing the gathering, Prof Amankwah assured the traditional authorities and residents of the University’s readiness to bring quality tertiary education closer to the people of Kenyasi and surrounding communities.
He indicated that before the commencement of full academic operations, the University intended to introduce certificate programmes in selected fields to facilitate a smooth transition into full-scale university activities.
Prof Amankwah noted that the establishment of the Kenyasi Campus aligns with UMaT’s strategic objective of expanding access to higher education, particularly in mining and related disciplines.
Following the meeting, Mr Gabriel Adu Bonsut, Chairman of the Kenyasi Scholarship Development Committee, led the University delegation, accompanied by government officials, members of the Traditional Council and representatives of NADEF, on a tour of the proposed campus to assess its current state of development.
The visit provided the University Management with an opportunity to inspect existing facilities and evaluate their readiness for the commencement of academic activities.
The delegation toured the four-storey lecture block, laboratories, office facilities, pavilions and hostel accommodation currently available on the campus.
Other facilities and equipment inspected included office, classroom and hostel furniture, projectors and projection screens, speakers, microphones, and stationery.
Stakeholders discussed measures to improve student accommodation, security and welfare services, while emphasising the need to equip the campus with modern teaching and laboratory facilities to support practical training and research.
They also reviewed access roads, utility services, and the overall readiness of the campus environment to support future academic and administrative activities.
Observations from the assessment are expected to inform subsequent planning and implementation efforts aimed at ensuring a smooth and sustainable take-off of operations at the campus.
Prof Amankwah commended the Traditional Council and other stakeholders for the progress made on the project over the years.
He said the assessment would guide the University in determining the resources and interventions required to prepare the campus for the successful introduction of academic programmes.
Representatives of the Traditional Council reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the University and collaborating with relevant partners to address outstanding infrastructure needs.
They expressed optimism that the establishment of the campus would contribute significantly to educational advancement, skills development, and socio-economic growth in the Kenyasi area and beyond.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Audrey Dekalu
Reporter Erica Apeatua Addo