The Vice Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Professor Richard K. Amankwah, has highlighted several initiatives his outfit is embarking on to help solve the issues that are left behind due to the activities of small scale and illegal mining.

He said “the University is helping with the clearing of water bodies. We are also looking at phytoremediation of Mercury-contaminated soils. We have identified one or two types of grass that you can plant on the soil, it absorbs the Mercury and then you harvest the plant and later you can take care of it.”

Prof. Amankwah spoke to journalists on the sidelines of the Sustainability and Social Investment Awards held on November 17,2023 at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra.

During his speech, he challenged the traditional notion that sustainability and economic development are conflicting forces.

Instead, he showcased their symbiotic nature as essential components of a prosperous and equitable future. Prof. Amankwah stressed the necessity for deeper collaboration between stakeholders, particularly industry and academia, to harmonize efforts toward increased economic growth with environmental preservation.

Highlighting UMaT's initiatives in this regard, he noted, "Ghana, endowed with abundant natural resources, sadly continues to bear the brunt of illegal mining on its environment. Last month, UMaT partnered with the U.S. Embassy in a TechCamp to tackle illegal mining."

Furthermore, the university has established a Center for Sustainable Mining Practices, focusing on research, education, and community engagement to promote responsible mining practices. This is in addition to other efforts in renewable energy.

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