The University in collaboration with Ladies in Mining and Allied Professions (LiMAP-GH) Ghana and AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Limited (AAIL) held the 3rd Edition of the ‘Start Right, End Well’ mentorship programme for fresh students of both the Tarkwa and Sekondi-Takoradi campuses on 22nd and 23rd February 2024 respectively focusing on the theme, “Optimising the Undergraduate Experience”. The President of LiMAP and Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Grace Ofori-Sarpong in her welcome address highlighted the aim of this year’s theme to provide the necessary guidance, support and resources for fresh students to make the most out of their undergraduate journey and open up the doors for yearlong mentor-mentee interactions by undertaking mentorship topics such as finding one’s purpose, strategic planning, time management, study skills and self-discovery.
Professor Richard K. Amankwah - Vice Chancellor
The Vice Chancellor of the University and Chairperson for the programme, Professor Richard K. Amankwah in his welcome address said that the University strives to instil vital skills in students for a positive global impact upon completion of their academic journey. He mentioned that the actions and inactions of students directly affect the Management of the University hence urging students to focus on yielding the best academic and social experience on campus. He assured the students that the University having made available teaching and learning resources will enhance personal development at the end of their academic journey.
The Special Guest of Honour and Managing Director of AAIL, Mr Samuel Boakye Pobee in his speech to participants of the programme, commended the collaborative efforts of the University, LiMAP and AAIL over the years to groom and nurture fresh students have yielded positive results and assured their continuous support for the programme. Touching on the theme of the programme, Mr Pobee said that the undergraduate level is important for students to develop crucial skills, and build lifelong relationships for their personal and professional growth. He encouraged students to explore the opportunities and resources at their disposal to discover new talents and challenges, engage with lecturers, and colleagues, participate in student associations to enrich their experience and empower themselves to take ownership of their education and personal development by setting both academic and personal goals and work diligently towards them. He further challenged to dream big, embrace challenges with courage and resilience and never underestimate the power of their potential.
Mr Samuel Boakye Pobee - Managing Director, AAIL
Mr Pobee said that AAIL in efforts to achieve inclusive and equitable quality education has consistently shown continuous support for improved educational standards through the provision of infrastructure, and other teaching and learning materials to schools in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality. He indicated that through their Community Scholarship Programme, 146 youth across the host communities have been awarded scholarships to pursue various STEM-related programmes at the tertiary level and have empowered the youth to support the sustainable development of the host communities.
Ms Peace Sitsofe Kploanyi - Counsellor, UMaT
In a presentation to the Freshmen on mentorship, Ms Peace Sitsofe Kploanyi, a Counsellor at the Counselling and Student Support of the University, said that mentoring is a growth-focused, nurturing process that involves a mentor helping a mentee to become a better version of themselves. Ms Kploanyi indicated that the Start Right, End Well mentorship programme aims at providing non-curricular resources and information necessary to foster holistic education for students of UMaT. Outlining some of the topics to be discussed during mentorship, Ms Kploanyi said that students will be given guidance on how to develop and execute functions including the ability to plan and execute and to stay focused and disciplined, learning styles, balancing relationships with academic work, and public speaking.
The Dean of the School of Railway and Infrastructure Development (SRID) Associate Professor Issaka Yakubu who chaired day two of the mentorship at the Sekondi-Takoradi Campus expressed appreciation to AAIL for their continuous support to mentor students of the University. He advised students to be diligent and committed to the mentorship programme to in order to acquire some soft skills for life and the world of work.
The programme was climaxed with a Panel Discussion, where students had the opportunity to direct their questions to key resource persons in the persons of Prof Grace Ofori-Sarpong, President and Founder of LiMAP-Gh, Mr Kennedy Ewuntomah, Senior Manager for Human Resources at AAIL, Mr Mensah Senyo Buake, the Superintendent in charge of External Relations at AAIL, Ms Roseline Dauri the Superintendent in charge of Social Investment, AAIL, Dr Yao Ziggah, the University Training Coordinator, Dr Naa Dedei Tagoe, Senior Lecturer at Geomatic Engineering Department, Dr Jamel Seidu, a Lecturer at the Geological Engineering Department and an alumni of the University, Ms Peace Sitsofe Kploanyi, a Counsellor, and Ms Keren-Happuch Ayillah, a student member of the Ladies in Mining and Allied Professionals, Ghana.
