The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) has honoured five distinguished Ghanaians for their contribution to the development of society and the University in particular with doctorate degrees at the first congregation of UMaT at Tarkwa in the Western Region. The recipients of the award were Osagyefo Kwamina Enimil VI, Omanhene of Wassa Fiase Traditional Area, Ms. Joyce Aryee, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ms. Elizabeth Ohene, former minister of state in charge of tertiary education in the erstwhile NPP government, Mr. Kofi Sarfo Ababio, a Tarkwa- based private legal practitioner and Mr. Stephen Saforo Yirenkyi, Community Affairs Manager of Goldfields Ghana Limited and a hotelier.
The first congregation which was attended by a cross section of Ghanaians including traditional rulers, academics, the clergy, parents and guardians also saw the conferment of degrees on 231 graduands of the University of Mines and Technology.
The degree of Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) was conferred on Osagyefo Dr. Kwamena Enimil VI by the University in recognition of the Omanhene’s role as an accomplished traditional ruler, theologian, patriot and foundation member of UMaT governing council who contributed greatly in the formulation of sound policies for the university as well as donating 26 square kilometers of land.
Ms. Joyce Aryee was awarded the degree of Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) by the University for her dedication, exemplary leadership and service to humanity in diverse ways which have won her CIMG 2007 Marketing Woman of the year and Companion of the Order of the Volta in 2008,
Ms Elizabeth Ohene received the award of Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) in recognition of her contribution and unwavering role in bringing the status of African womanhood into prominence through the sphere of journalism, politics, economics, social and academic issues.
Mr. Kofi Safo Ababio, a recipient of Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) was also recognised by the university as an accomplished lawyer, magistrate, lecturer and farmer with an impeccable history of providing legal aid to the vulnerable in the society in addition to providing legal services to UMaT at no cost.
The degree of Doctor of Science (DSc) went to Mr. Stephen Saforo Yirenkyi as a founding member of UMaT council who used his knowledge as a planner to assist the university’s developmental agenda as well as facilitating good relations between Goldfield Ghana Limited and UMaT which brought various donations to the university.
Prof. D. Mireku-Gyimah, Vice Chancellor of UMaT in a speech, paid glowing tribute to the foundation chairman and members of the University council for their tireless efforts, dedication and passion for the development of the university and said the vision of UMaT was to become a centre of excellence in Ghana and Africa for conducting cutting-edge research and for producing world-class professionals for the mining, petroleum and related industries.
He said the awardees were selected through rigorous processes and that by all standards the personalities were found to have satisfied all the criteria and as such deserve the awards and congratulate them for their achievement.
