The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) says it holds the “definitive, homegrown solution to end illegal mining (galamsey)” in Ghana.
Vice Chancellor Professor Bernard Kumi-Boateng made the bold declaration at UMaT’s 25th Matriculation ceremony held at the Essikado Campus near Sekondi to formally admit fresh students.
According to Prof. Kumi-Boateng, UMaT is already collaborating with government and the Gold Board to develop and deploy environmentally friendly methods of mining, including revolutionary techniques for washing gold without polluting water bodies.
“UMaT holds the definitive solution to the illegal mining menace in this country. We possess all the requisite technology, research, and engineering principles needed to extract our mineral wealth without destroying our forests and river bodies,” he stated.
He argued that proof exists and that large-scale mining companies that operate without destroying water bodies and lands are largely run by UMaT graduates.
*The Plan: No Engineer, No Licence*
Prof. Kumi-Boateng went beyond the technology and proposed far-reaching reforms to sanitise the small-scale mining sector.
He noted UMaT trains about “500 mining engineers every year”, a critical manpower resource Ghana is under-utilising.
His proposal:
1. *Mandatory Professionals:* Government should make it compulsory for every small-scale miner to employ a safety officer and a mining engineer before their licence is renewed or issued.
2. *Stop Blind Digging:* No miner should be allowed to excavate without a prior geological survey. An expert from UMaT must first confirm the presence of gold before any excavator touches the soil, to prevent indiscriminate destruction of lands.
“Miners must stop digging blindly. An expert from UMaT must first survey and confirm the presence of gold before any excavator touches the soil,” he urged.
He added that government has indicated readiness to use UMaT trainees to help solve Ghana’s mining challenges.
*Meanwhile: One-Meal-A-Day to Tackle Campus Hunger*
On student welfare, the Vice Chancellor announced a new intervention to tackle growing food insecurity among students.
He said many students report to lectures hungry, a situation affecting their academic performance.
“We have observed that a significant number of our students come to campus facing severe financial hardships and hunger, which inevitably takes a toll on their academic performance. No student should have to choose between an empty stomach and their education,” he said.
To address it, management will commit part of its Internally Generated Funds and solicit support from philanthropists, alumni and corporate organisations to introduce a “one-meal-a-day scheme for needy students”.
Prof. Kumi-Boateng reiterated that UMaT remains committed to its core mandate of training professionals in mining and in sustaining lands after mining activities.
By Esi Yankey
