UMaT Launches 2025 with New Strategic Plan at 9th New Year Service
The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) held its 9th New Year Service on Monday, January 13, 2025, to mark the beginning of the year and officially welcome the university community back from the festive break. The event, which took place at the University Auditorium, featured a sermon by the University Chaplain, Reverend Dr Johannes Ami, and an address by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, who unveiled the University’s new strategic direction for the next decade.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Amankwah, announced the implementation of the University’s new Strategic Plan (SPLAN2K34), which would guide its development from 2025 to 2034. He noted that the new vision for the University was “to become a world-renowned university recognized for excellence in research, innovation, and the production of world-class professionals with specializations in sustainable mining, petroleum, technology, and related disciplines.”
Professor Amankwah also revealed that the University had revised its core values, adding Accountability, Integrity, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity to the existing values of Knowledge, Truth, and Excellence. He encouraged members of the community to align themselves with these values in their daily activities to support the University’s mission.
The Vice Chancellor highlighted the University’s notable accomplishments over the past year. He reported that the student population had increased significantly from 10,000 to 12,000. He also mentioned the invention of an All-Purpose Electric Car (APEC) by four students, as well as the success of the Agri-IoT project, which had improved the productivity of 203 farmers in the Jama Community in Ghana’s Savannah Region.
Looking forward, Professor Amankwah outlined several key projects set for completion in 2025. These included the establishment of the Institute for Minerals Research, the construction of the Ghana Mining Museum, the construction of a new faculty block at the School of Railway and Infrastructure Development, the completion of the Obosu Block for the University Basic Schools, the construction of 250-seater Smart Systems Centre to advance research in artificial intelligence and robotics.
The Vice Chancellor also announced plans for new initiatives, including the establishment of a 40-bed UMaT Medical Centre, a Mining, Robotics, and Materials Testing Laboratory, and a 600,000-capacity Smart System to support student innovations. Professor Amankwah concluded his address by commending exceptional staff members for their transformative contributions to the University and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting student innovators.
In an exhortation message to the University Community, the Chaplain, Reverend Dr Ami focused on the theme “Rehoboth,” inspired by Genesis 26:22. He explained that the theme referred to Isaac’s success in finding peace and prosperity after repeated conflicts over wells in Gerar. The chaplain stated that “Rehoboth” symbolized fruitfulness and growth, urging the University Community to overcome challenges with diligence, faith, and trust in God. Dr Ami emphasized that while challenges such as scarcity and contention were inevitable on the path to development, they could be resolved through unity, collaboration, and inclusivity. He encouraged staff and students to perform their duties with dedication and to trust that their efforts would yield positive outcomes.
As part of the service, representatives from staff associations, including the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA), University Teachers’ Association of Ghana (UTAG), Tertiary Education Workers Union (TEWU), and the Senior Staff Association of Ghana (SSAG), delivered goodwill messages.
The service ended on a note of inspiration and unity, with the university community encouraged to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead.
