By Seth Eyiah and Celestine Avi
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening tertiary education, responsible mining, and youth empowerment, describing specialised universities as critical drivers of Ghana’s industrial transformation.
Speaking at the 18th Special Congregation of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Tarkwa, the President said institutions such as UMaT sit at the heart of national development because of their role in engineering, technology, and applied sciences.
Promoting Responsible Mining
The President also touched on issues affecting the mining sector and the university. He called on the Minerals Commission to expedite the issuance of licences for regulated small-scale mining, stressing that such operations could serve as models for responsible mining, provide practical training opportunities for students, and generate revenue to curb illegal activities.
He addressed funding challenges facing mining research and the proposed mining museum, explaining that changes in funding arrangements had reduced resources previously available through the Minerals Account Investment Fund. He assured the university that government was exploring alternative funding options to complete the projects in the short term.
Staffing and Academic Opportunities
On staffing, President Mahama acknowledged concerns over financial clearance for lecturer recruitment across public universities, noting that the Minister of Finance had been briefed on the matter. He expressed optimism that approvals would soon be granted and encouraged graduate students aspiring to academic careers not to give up.
Expanding Access and Quality in Tertiary Education
Turning to the broader education agenda, the President described education as Ghana’s most enduring investment and outlined government’s tertiary education policy, anchored on access, quality, and relevance. He highlighted initiatives including the no-guarantor student loan scheme, no-fee stress for first-year students in public tertiary institutions, free tertiary education for persons with disabilities, and the Student Loan Plus programme to support continuing students.
According to him, these interventions are designed to expand access, promote equity, and democratise opportunities across the tertiary education landscape.
Strengthening Relevance and Innovation
President Mahama stressed that access alone was not enough, noting that the true strength of tertiary education lies in the quality and relevance of outcomes. He said government is increasing investment in STEM education, technical and vocational training, research, innovation, and the digital transformation of teaching and learning.
“Our universities must produce graduates who are academically sound, innovative, adaptable, and ethically grounded, capable of solving real-world problems,” he said, adding that government’s ambitions in mineral value addition, green transition, advanced manufacturing, and industrial diversification depend heavily on institutions like UMaT.
He outlined plans to strengthen university–industry linkages, promote the commercialisation of research, establish innovation hubs and centres of excellence, and invest in modern laboratories and research infrastructure to position Ghanaian universities as contributors to global knowledge while remaining rooted in local challenges.
Youth Empowerment for National Development
The President also underscored the importance of youth empowerment, stating that education would only yield a demographic dividend if young people are equipped with relevant skills, entrepreneurial capacity, and a strong work ethic. He cited programmes such as the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme and other youth-focused initiatives aimed at nurturing graduates as job creators rather than job seekers.
Commitment to Responsible Resource Management
On the management of natural resources, President Mahama reiterated government’s commitment to integrity, accountability, and sustainability. He described illegal mining as a major threat to the environment and water bodies, stressing that beyond enforcement, long-term solutions lie in education, research, and the promotion of responsible mining practices.
He said UMaT has a unique national responsibility to train professionals and develop technologies that support lawful, environmentally responsible, and community-centred mining.
Honouring Entrepreneurship and Academic Excellence
The President also paid tribute to the congregation’s honouree, highlighting his entrepreneurial journey and contribution to the mining services sector, and praised his resilience, innovation, and philanthropy.
Addressing graduates and students, President Mahama urged them to see their education as both a privilege and a responsibility. He encouraged them to use their knowledge not only to earn a living but to serve the nation with discipline, innovation, and integrity.
President John Mahama commended the university council, management, faculty, and staff for their dedication to academic excellence and national service, congratulated the graduates and honouree, and wished the institution continued success.
