The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has commissioned the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) campus at Kenyasi No. 2 in the Ahafo Region, announcing a GH¢50 million government investment through the GETFund in 2027 to support the campus’s operationalisation.
The commissioning marks a major milestone in expanding access to higher education and specialised mining education in the Ahafo Region, with government reaffirming its commitment to establishing a fully-fledged public university in the region before the end of President John Dramani Mahama’s tenure.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Iddrisu assured traditional authorities that the community would benefit from the ongoing procurement of buses by the GETFund.
He also acknowledged concerns raised by residents of mining communities regarding employment opportunities and equitable benefits from mining activities, urging Newmont to consider increasing its voluntary support for education and community development.
”Residents of mining communities have raised concerns about employment and the benefits they derive from mining activities. I believe Newmont can voluntarily consider increasing its support to help improve livelihoods and expand educational opportunities in the area,” he said.
The Minister announced that GH¢50 million has been earmarked in the 2027 GETFund allocation to provide key infrastructure for the campus, including an administration block and student accommodation.
”Government will allocate GH¢50 million through the 2027 GETFund formula to support the operationalisation of this campus. Before President John Dramani Mahama leaves office, Ahafo will also have a fully-fledged public university,” he stated before officially declaring the campus open.
The Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF) formally handed over infrastructure valued at approximately GH¢14 million to support the establishment of the UMaT Kenyasi Campus.
Developed over a 10-year period in partnership with the Kenyasi No. 2 community and the Asutifi North District Assembly, the project includes lecture halls, administrative offices, renovated residential buildings, office furniture, security installations, and a vehicle to support the university’s operations.
Board Chairman of NADeF, Yaw Ofosu-Kusi, described the campus as one of the Foundation’s flagship investments in education and sustainable community development.
”Today, we are proud to commission and hand over these facilities, confident they will contribute to education, self-reliance, and the long-term development of our communities,” he said.
General Manager of Newmont Ahafo South Mine, Alex Kofi Annin, said the campus reflects the Kenyasi No. 2 community’s decision to invest its share of Newmont’s development funds in education through NADeF.
He noted that more than GH¢14 million has been invested in the project, describing it as a strategic investment in education, skills development, and sustainable community growth.
Annin thanked the Government, the Ministry of Education and the Ahafo Regional Coordinating Council for supporting the initiative, adding that the campus would create opportunities for young people to pursue technical education and careers in mining and related industries.
”This campus is a strategic investment in education, skills development, and sustainable community growth,” he said.
Vice-Chancellor of UMaT, Professor Richard Kwesi Amankwah, encouraged students to take advantage of the new campus, assuring residents that the university would maintain high academic standards while promoting research, innovation and skills development.
He described the Kenyasi campus as a significant investment in the future of the Ahafo Region and expressed confidence that it would produce skilled professionals for Ghana’s extractive industry and beyond.
By Claude Kumi Abisa
