By Erica Apeatua Addo
Tarkwa (W/R), June 24, GNA-A delegation from the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, has paid a courtesy call on Odeneho Dadieko Kwabena Nsiah Ababio, the Omanhene of Kenyasi No. 2 to discuss plans for the establishment of a UMaT campus in Kenyasi following the approval granted by the Ministry of Education to the University.
The meeting brought together traditional authorities, government representatives, and the Board of Trustees of the Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADEF).
The government delegation comprised Mrs. Charity Gardiner, the Ahafo Regional Minister and Mr. Hafiz Dauda Dabeil, the District Chief Executive.
The UMaT delegation was led by Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, the Vice Chancellor; Mrs. Grace Ofori-Sarpong Akuffo; Pro Vice Chancellor, Dr Theophilus Andoh-Robertson, Registrar, Mr Papa Yaw Attobrah, THE Director of Works and Physical Development; Associate Professor Mrs. Cynthia Boye, the Director for Open, Distance, and e-Learning (ODEL) among others.
Welcoming the delegation, Odeneho Ababio expressed his appreciation to the University’s Management for calling on the traditional council to discuss the development of the proposed campus.
He noted that the establishment of the campus has been one of his cherished aspirations and affirmed his commitment to seeing the project become a reality.
According to the Omanhene, the project was initiated in 2015, and significant progress has since been made.
He said some of the existing infrastructure included a 4-storey lecture block comprising eight classrooms with provision 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 were under construction.
The Omanhene also revealed that the community has plans to put up a 300-bed capacity hostel facility for the campus.
Mrs. Gardiner, on her part, 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 the Government’s commitment and the support of NADEF towards the successful operationalization of the campus.
The District Chief Executive reiterated that the establishment of the campus would provide more opportunities for the youth to pursue higher education.
He commended the Omanhene and the Kenyasi Traditional Council for their unwavering dedication 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 its surrounding communities.
He indicated that before the commencement of full academic operations, the University intends to introduce certificate programmes in selected areas to facilitate a smooth transition into full-scale university activities.
Professor Amankwah further noted that the establishment of the Kenyasi Campus aligned with the UMaT’s strategic objective of expanding access to higher education, particularly in mining and its related disciplines.
Following the meeting, Mr Gabriel Adu Bonsut, the 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 afforded University’s Management the opportunity to inspect the existing facilities and evaluate their suitability 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 items inspected included office, classroom and hostel furniture, projectors and projector screens, speakers, microphones, and stationery.
Stakeholders discussed measures to enhance student accommodation, security, and welfare services and highlighted the importance of ensuring that the campus is adequately equipped with modern teaching and laboratory equipment to support practical training and research activities.
They also reviewed access roads, utility services, and the general readiness of the campus environment to support future academic and administrative activities.
The observations made during the tour are expected to inform subsequent planning and implementation efforts aimed at ensuring a smooth and sustainable take-off of operations at the campus.
Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah commended the efforts of 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 within the Kenyasi area and beyond.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter Erica Apeatua Addo
Reporter’s email: [email protected]