Professor Bernard Kumi-Boateng has been officially invested as the new Vice Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), unveiling an ambitious agenda focused on student support, safety, and transforming the institution into “Africa’s Beacon, Ghana’s Pride.”
Speaking at his investiture ceremony on Saturday, August 1, 2026, Professor Kumi-Boateng outlined a comprehensive four-year agenda designed to address the pressing needs of students while positioning UMaT as a globally competitive institution.
The new Vice Chancellor placed student welfare at the heart of his vision, announcing a series of initiatives aimed at easing the burden on learners and ensuring no student’s education is disrupted by avoidable challenges.
Key among these is the establishment of an Emergency Student Support Fund, which will stand with students facing sudden financial hardship, bereavement, or medical emergencies.
Professor Kumi-Boateng also pledged particular attention to the safety of female students, stating: “We will give particular attention to the safety of our female students through secure, well-lit residential facilities as part of our gender-equity commitment.”
Other student-focused initiatives announced include:
· A work-study scheme offering part-time, paid roles in libraries, laboratories, and administration for students who need financial support.
· Strengthened counselling services attentive to the mental health and academic pressures students carry.
· A shuttle system linking hostels to campus to reduce cost and travel burden.
· A food security initiative, including subsidised meal support for students on financial aid, “so that no student’s education is interrupted by hunger.”
Beyond student welfare, Professor Kumi-Boateng outlined a strategic vision to elevate UMaT’s standing on the world stage.
He announced plans to intensify efforts to attract a more diverse student body, increase postgraduate enrollment, and forge global partnerships to boost the university’s rankings and digital presence.
“We will ensure our regional reputation is recognized on the world stage,” he declared.
Central to the new Vice Chancellor’s vision is the UMaT 2034 agenda a four-year roadmap toward transforming the university into what he described as “Africa’s Beacon, Ghana’s Pride.”
Professor Kumi-Boateng explained that disciplined execution across five key pillars—financial management, core processes, stakeholder engagement, organisational development, and accountability—will build a more resilient and globally competitive university anchored on quality standards.
He painted an inspiring picture of the institution’s future:
“Together, we shall build a University that is admired not only for the excellence of its graduates, but also for the relevance of its research, the integrity of its governance, the strength of its partnerships, and the impact of its service to Ghana, Africa, and the world.”
The Vice Chancellor concluded his address with a stirring call to action, urging the university community to embrace the ambitious transformation ahead:
“Let history record that this generation had the courage to dream boldly, the wisdom to work together, and the discipline to transform that dream into reality. Together, we shall build the MIT of Africa.”
Professor Bernard Kumi-Boateng takes over the leadership of UMaT at a critical juncture, with the university poised for significant growth and expansion.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
