Mahama Orders Immediate Mining Licence for UMaT’s Model Small-Scale Mine
President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minerals Commission to immediately issue a mining licence to the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), clearing the way for the institution to begin operations at its long-planned model small-scale mine.
The directive was delivered at UMaT’s 18th Special Congregation, a ceremony that celebrated academic excellence with the conferment of 55 postgraduate degrees, including six Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees and 21 master’s degrees.
Addressing the gathering, UMaT Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, revealed that the university had already completed all required exploration activities at the designated site and was only awaiting regulatory approval to commence mining operations. He described the project as a landmark initiative that could significantly advance responsible and sustainable small-scale mining practices in Ghana.
According to Prof. Amankwah, the model mine is designed to serve as a practical training ground where students, researchers and industry professionals can apply modern, environmentally responsible mining techniques, while also demonstrating best practices for the broader small-scale mining sector.
President Mahama, who attended the ceremony in person, emphasised the urgency of translating UMaT’s academic expertise into real-world impact. He instructed the Minerals Commission to work closely with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to fast-track the licensing process.
“The Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission is here, and I wish that by the time we leave here he makes a commitment to issue the licence to the university. His minister is also here, and I expect his minister to direct him to issue that licence,” President Mahama stated.
Read alsoGhana Moves to Balance Investment and Revenue with Proposed Gold Royalty Reforms
The President’s intervention underscores government support for strengthening Ghana’s mining sector through innovation, skills development and regulatory compliance. It also reflects a broader push to formalise and professionalise small-scale mining, which remains a critical contributor to employment and mineral production in the country.
UMaT, Ghana’s leading specialised mining and technology university, has long sought to bridge the gap between theory and practice by integrating hands-on operations into its academic programmes. The issuance of the mining licence is expected to mark a major milestone in that effort, positioning the university as a national reference point for responsible mining education and practice.
