President John Mahama
President John Mahama has directed the Minerals Commission as well as the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to issue a licence for the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) to start operating its small scale-mine.
President Mahama gave the directive at UMaT’s 18th special congregation where 55 Post-Graduate Degrees, comprising six PhDs and 21 Masters Degrees were awarded to individuals.
President Mahama who was a special guest at the graduation ceremony asked the Minerals Commission to coordinate with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to expedite the licencing process for the University.
“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, I expect his minister to direct him to issue that licence,”President Mahama added.
Addressing the graduands, UMaT Vice Chancellor, Prof. Richard Kwasi Amankwah, said the University had completed all exploration work and was waiting for approval to begin operations.
He further stated that the new mine will serve as a model to promote responsible small-scale mining in the country.
The University of Mines and Technology at its recent graduation held on Saturday January 31, 2026 conferred an honorary Doctor of Science degree on the Chief Executive of Engineers and Planners, Ibrahim Mahama, for his outstanding contribution to the mining industry.
Also in attendance at the ceremony was Sir Sam Jonah.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah