By Erica Apeatua Addo, GNA
Tarkwa (W/R), Aug 3, GNA – The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, has sworn in Professor Bernard Kumi-Boateng as its fourth Vice Chancellor, at an investiture ceremony held in Tarkwa.
Prof. Kumi-Boateng, a professor of Geomatics Engineering with 19 years of university teaching and research experience, rose through the ranks to the position.
Professor Mrs. Goski Alabi, the Chairperson of the University Council of the UMaT, administered the oath of office to the new Vice Chancellors.
Addressing staff, students and stakeholders, Prof. Kumi-Boateng, who is the first alumnus to become Vice Chancellor of UMaT, said the core business of the University remained teaching and research.
He, however stated that infrastructure deficits, including inadequate laboratories, overcrowded lecture halls, and housing shortages, impeded quality delivery, adding that “to forge the MIT of Africa, we must have the facilities to match our ambitions”.
“Over the next four years, we will aggressively invest in modernizing our facilities, developing the Essikado, Samahu, Kenyasi No. 2 campuses, and the Bibiani community school, strengthening industry partnerships for cutting-edge research, and fostering a culture of innovation that solves real-world problems” Prof. Kumi-Boateng said.
The new Vice Chancellors pledged to seek excellence in the university’s core mandate and to protect quality without compromise.
He said UMaT would position itself as a key contributor to the nation’s growing STEM and technical skills pipeline, producing the engineers, scientists, and technologists that the country’s industrial and technological ambitions demanded.
Prof. Kumi-Boateng announced that an emergency student support fund would be established to assist students facing sudden financial hardship, bereavement, or medical emergencies.
“As part of our gender-equity commitment, we will pay particular attention to the safety of our female students through secure and well-lit residential facilities”, he said.
“We will introduce a work-study scheme offering part-time, paid roles in our libraries, laboratories, and administration for students who need it.
We will also strengthen counselling services attentive to the mental health and academic pressures our students carry” he added.
He expressed gratitude to the University Council, especially the Chairperson, for the confidence reposed in him.
Prof. Kumi-Boateng assured members of the Search Committee that he would justify the trust placed in him through dedicated, transparent, and visionary leadership.
Prof. Kumi-Boateng joined UMaT as a lecturer in May 2007.
He was promoted to Senior lecturer in 2011, Associate Professor in 2016 and Professor in 2020.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/George-Ramsey Benamba
Aug 3, 2026
Reporter Erica Apeatua Addo [email protected]