The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) conferred various degrees on 1,609 graduates who successfully completed their respective programs of study in the 2023/2024 academic year during its 16th Congregation ceremony held on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at the University Auditorium.
Very Reverend Professor Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante
In his welcome address on behalf of the Chancellor, His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor, the Chairman of the University Council, Very Reverend Professor Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante, highlighted the University’s commitment to training professionals in mining, petroleum, technology, and related fields, and its vision of becoming a center of excellence. Very Reverend Professor Mante expressed confidence in the graduating class, noting their readiness to make meaningful contributions to Ghana’s development. He emphasized the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education for Ghana and commended the Ministry of Education’s policies aimed at promoting STEM education across the country. He also extended appreciation to the University’s management and stakeholders for their contributions to its advancement.
Delivering the keynote address, the Guest Speaker for the occasion, Honourable Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister for Education and Member of Parliament for the Bosomtwe Constituency, commended the University’s role in developing technical expertise and fostering global citizenship. He praised the University’s contributions to the mining, engineering, and technology sectors, which are vital for Ghana’s development, and underscored the country’s prioritization of STEM education. Dr. Adutwum outlined several government initiatives, including the establishment of nine STEM high schools and 20 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) centers nationwide, alongside UMaT’s efforts to enhance STEM accessibility.
Honourable Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum - Minister for Education and Member of Parliament for the Bosomtwe Constituency.
Dr. Adutwum also highlighted UMaT’s pioneering Arts-to-Engineering program, which helps Senior High School graduates from non-science backgrounds transition into STEM programs at the tertiary level. He emphasized that the program aims to diversify talents and foster interdisciplinary solutions. He congratulated the University for successfully graduating and enrolling its third batch of Arts-to-Engineering students.
The Minister further celebrated the graduation of 31 students from the Bosomtwe Constituency, who were beneficiaries of the Ministry of Education’s tertiary scholarship and lauded the University’s trailblazing initiatives, such as its involvement in the Erasmus+ UNIHUBS project and an industry-aligned curriculum enhancement through partnerships. Honourable Adutwum encouraged the graduating students to embrace resilience, adopt growth mindsets, and harness their potential to help build a prosperous nation.
Presenting his report to the Congregation, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, revealed that out of the total degrees awarded, 175 were postgraduate degrees, including 16 PhDs, 111 Master’s degrees, and 48 Postgraduate Diplomas. At the undergraduate level, a total of 930 students were awarded Bachelor’s Degrees, while 252 were conferred with Diplomas and Certificates. Of the 930 Bachelor of Science graduates, 184 students, representing 15.6%, graduated with First Class Honours.
Victor Kwaku Agadzie - Overall Best Undergraduate Student | Miss Victoria Agyekumwaa - Best-Graduating Female Undergraduate Student
During the ceremony, awards were presented to outstanding students from various faculties and schools. Victor Kwaku Agadzie of the Department of Mining Engineering emerged as the Overall Best Undergraduate Student with a Cumulative Weighted Average of 89.55%. He received a cash prize of GH¢2,000.00, a laptop, and a citation of honor. Miss Victoria Agyekumwaa, also from the Department of Mining Engineering and with a CWA of 86.34%, was named the Best Graduating Female Undergraduate Student and was presented with the Victoria Frempong Memorial Award. She received GH¢2,000.00 and a citation of honor. The Architect Ekow Sam Award for the Most Disciplined Student was presented to Francisca Damowaa Amponsah, who received GH¢1,000 and a citation of honor.
Awards received by graduates from the Faculty of Geosciences and Environmental Studies (FGES) included the Ghana Institute of Surveyors Award for Best Graduating Student in the Department of Geomatic Engineering, which went to Jerry Gyekye; the Ghana Institution of Surveyors Award for Best Graduating Student Project Work in Geomatic Engineering, awarded to Johnson Tawiah; the Ghana Institution of Geoscientists Award for Best Graduating Student in Geological Engineering, earned by Emmanuel Lord Mensah; and the Professor Newton Attah Amegbey Award, presented to Abdul-Aziz Adamu. Jerry Gyekye also received the Professor Douglas Boateng Award for the Best Graduating Student in the Faculty of Geosciences and Environmental Studies.
At the Faculty of Mining and Minerals Technology, Victoria Agyekumwaa received the Newmont Goldcorp Ghana Award for the Best Female Graduating Student in Mining Engineering. Victor Kwaku Agadzie took home the Kwesi Enyan Award for the Best First-Degree Graduating Student in Mining Engineering. Deborah Nkrumah claimed the Mrs. Catherine Kuupol-Kuutor Award for the Best Female Graduating Student in Minerals Engineering, while David Worae Effah received the Mrs. Catherine Kuupol-Kuutor Award for the Best Graduating Student in Minerals Engineering. Victor Kwaku Agadzie also received the Professor Douglas Boateng Award for the Best Graduating Student in the Faculty.
At the Faculty of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Abraham Awortwe and Nafisatu Abiodun of the Department of Mathematical Sciences were recognized as the Best Graduating Male and Female Students in Mathematics, respectively. Both students received prestigious awards, with Abraham Awortwe winning the Ransbet’s Award for Best Graduating Male Student in Mathematics, while Nafisatu Abiodun was honored with the Proton-Lily Award for Best Graduating Female Student in Mathematics. In the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, George Ghartey clinched the Ransbet’s Award for Best Graduating Student in Computer Science and Engineering. Overall, Abraham Awortwe received the Professor Douglas Boateng Award for the Best Graduating Student in the Faculty.
At the Faculty of Engineering, Isaac Agonga was honored with the Professor Douglas Boateng Award for the Best Graduating Student in the Faculty.
At the School of Petroleum Studies, Frederick Twum Obeng received both the Mr. Ato Aidoo Award for the Best Male Graduating Student in the Department of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering and the Professor Douglas Boateng Award for the Best Graduating Student in the School. Miss Yasmeen Bayorbor was also honored with both the Mr. Ato Aidoo Award for the Best Female Graduating Student in the same department and the Madam Leticia Amoa-Abban Rigworld Solutions Award for the Best Female Graduating Student of the School. The Madam Leticia Amoa-Abban Rigworld Solutions Award for the Best Male Graduating Student in the Department of Chemical and Petrochemical Engineering was awarded to Reginald Etrue Gordon, and Esther Serwaa Akoto-Bamfo received the Miwatek Ghana Limited Award for the Best Graduating Female Student in the same department.
At the School of Railway and Infrastructure Development, Rudolf Anderson received the Professor Douglas Boateng Award for the Best Graduating Student.
Two exceptional international students, Ramondguewende Romaric Zombre and Miss Hawa Osuman, both from the Department of Mining Engineering, received the Academic and Student Affairs Award for the Best International Male and Female Graduating Students, respectively.
Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah - Vice Chancellor
Professor Amankwah also highlighted the University’s milestones, including the introduction of new courses in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to advance research innovation and practical education. To support this initiative, AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Ltd is funding a $600,000 Smart Systems Centre that will benefit both the University and the Tarkwa community.
He also noted UMaT's contribution to precision agriculture through the Agri-IoT project, funded by the World Bank, which has supported over 200 farmers with technology to monitor soil conditions, boosting crop yield and addressing food security challenges.
The Vice Chancellor further celebrated notable student achievements, including Miss Biana Bottozah, a third-year Electrical and Electronic Engineering student who won the 2024 Ms. Geek Ghana Competition, and Samuel Naamgwinaa, a first-year Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering student, who won the 2024 Presidential Pitch Award. Professor Amankwah also introduced a team of student innovators who have built an All-Purpose Electric Car for the University.
The Vice Chancellor also acknowledged the contributions of two University staff in the persons of Mr Daniel Adu Gyamfi, a Principal Technician at the Department of Geological Engineering and Mr Felix Andoh of the Works and Physical Development Office. They were respectively adjudged as the Best Worker for the Senior Staff and Junior Staff Categories.
Other staff who distinguished themselves in the year include Dr Linda Bentuma Osei, a Lecturer in the Department of Environmental and Safety Engineering, who was awarded the Prestigious Academic Excellence in Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Award at the Inaugural African Women in EHS Conference and Awards, and Professor Grace Ofori-Sarpong Akuffo, who was ranked among the 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining for 2024.
Professor Amankwah expressed profound gratitude to the sponsors and stakeholders for their support and contribution to achieving the University’s goals. He urged the graduating students to uphold the University’s values and contribute meaningfully to society, emphasizing character, continuous learning, and commitment as keys to future success.
