The Hon Minister of Education-Hon. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum;
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources-Hon. Samuel Jinapor;
Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources- Hon. George
Mireku Duker;
Municipal Chief Executive for Tarkwa-Hon. Benjaman Kessie;
Nananom- Apinto Traditional Council;
President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines- Mr. Joshua Mortoti;
Chief Executive officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines - Dr.
Sulemanu Koney;
Vice Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology-
Prof. Richard k. Amankwah;
Officials of Goldfields Mining Company;
Distinguished invited guests;
Ladies and gentlemen;
Good Morning!
It gives me great pleasure to join you to inaugurate the Ghana Chamber of Mines Faculty of Mining and Mineral Technology Block which I am reliably informed was funded by the Chamber’s Tertiary Education Fund (TEF).
Western Region as we are all aware, is known for the production of most of the minerals in the country and is a greater contributor to the development of the economy of the country. We all know that before we can effectively utilize these minerals, we need to have the technical know-how in the field. The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) has been noted for greatly impacting knowledge into students within the Region and the country at large.
The chamber has not at all underrated the choice of the University for this project. It is fitting to see this beautiful edifice here; a remarkable home to the mining and petroleum resources.
It is therefore my singular pleasure to welcome you all to the Region and specifically to this occasion.
Nananom, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is heartwarming to know that the Ghana Chamber of Mines represents the mining industry in Ghana, using the resources and capabilities of its members to deliver services that address members, government and community needs, in order to enhance development. I am aware that since October 2019, the Ghana Chamber of Mines Tertiary Education Fund had put in efforts to assist in building the needed human resource capital for the mining industry.
I was pleased to know the Tertiary Education Fund also intends to support areas like infrastructural development, research of Faculty members and Postgraduate Students related to the industry needs and application of automated systems. Another support area I am told the Fund aims at, is offering scholarships for Under-Graduate Students and internship programmes for Faculty Members.
It is for this simple reason, I commend the Ghana Chamber of Mines and the Tertiary Education Fund for their corporate social responsibilities and interventions, making UMaT the centre of it all. Me ma hom Ayekooo, Mbo na Edwuma…..
As you may have been aware, Ladies and Gentlemen, UMaT begun some years ago, with few blocks and buildings, but today we can boast of a number of well-structured edifices, lay outs and a conducive learning environment. I applaud the Vice Chancellor, and his team of Administrators, the Faculty, senior and junior staff and students for the good job you are doing to bring this University to the level we all wish for.
Nananoom, Ladies and Gentlemen, let me use the opportunity to remind all that the Galamsey menace is not out of the table yet. The region is still fighting the illegal miners and we need to get involved with all stakeholders to find lasting solution to this canker.
Let me also use this platform to urge all students to put into practice the right mining procedures this great institution is impacting into you, when you find yourselves in the industry front.
The hands-on experience and knowledge that this institution is impacting should be properly utilized, so that when you graduate from here, you will be able to correct and orient those who are perpetuating the wrong procedures. (Galamsayers).
The Vice Chancellor, Ladies and Gentlemen, let me assure you that the University would continue to receive special attention from the
Government with regards to infrastructural projects, to enable the University to continue to admit more students as a result of the Free Senior High School Education policy.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I believe that keeping together is a work in progress and working together is a success. It is in light of this that, I would encourage investors to invest in the mining sector and its related areas. I will as well urge the University’s Authority and the students to ensure that good maintenance culture is practiced to enable the building serve its intended objectives for many years to come.
On this note, I would like to once again, congratulate the Chamber and the Fund Managers on this big achievement. We look forward to benefit from more initiatives in our institutions and facilities to ensure progress in our region.
Thank you, and may God Bless us all…
