Correspondence from the Western Region

The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, has announced a series of interventions to support students facing financial and other personal challenges, including an Emergency Student Support Fund, a One-Meal-a-Day Scheme and a Work-Study Scheme.

The initiatives, announced by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Bernard Kumi-Boateng, are aimed at ensuring that students do not have their academic progress disrupted by financial difficulties, hunger or emotional challenges.

Addressing fresh students at the University's 25th Matriculation Ceremony for the 2026/2027 academic year, Professor Kumi-Boateng said academic excellence could not thrive when students were burdened with concerns about their next meal or felt overwhelmed and isolated.

Under the Emergency Student Support Fund, the University intends to provide financial assistance to students confronted with sudden hardships, including financial difficulties, the loss of a loved one and medical emergencies.

The One-Meal-a-Day Scheme will provide daily meals to the University's most needy students to enable them to concentrate on their studies without worrying about hunger.

Management is also introducing a Work-Study Scheme, which will offer paid part-time opportunities in the University's libraries, laboratories and offices. The initiative is expected to provide students with financial support while equipping them with valuable professional experience before graduation.

The Vice Chancellor further announced plans to strengthen the Counselling and Student Support Unit to address students' mental health and emotional well-being.

He said students should not feel ashamed to seek assistance, stressing that their mental health was as important as their academic performance.

For the 2026/2027 academic year, UMaT has admitted 5,787 fresh undergraduate students, comprising 3,594 males and 2,193 females.

The female students represent approximately 38 per cent of the total undergraduate intake, reflecting a steady improvement in female participation in mining, engineering and technology education.

Professor Kumi-Boateng said the development was particularly encouraging, considering that women constituted just over 18 per cent of the University's undergraduate population when it matriculated its sixth batch in 2010. Female representation increased to 34 per cent of admissions last year.

He said the University remained committed to opening its doors wider to young women interested in pursuing careers in engineering and the geosciences.

Of the 5,787 fresh undergraduate students, 4,496 are enrolled at the Tarkwa Campus, 1,104 at Essikado, 155 at Kenyasi No. 2 Campus and 42 at the Bibiani Study Centre.

An additional 320 students have enrolled in the University's Pre-Engineering programme.

The University also admitted 572 postgraduate students into Master's and PhD programmes, bringing its total student population to 19,683.

Professor Kumi-Boateng urged the new students to remain focused on their academic objectives, embrace discipline and take advantage of the opportunities available to them.

He encouraged them to be curious, innovative and committed to excellence, while seeking guidance from experienced individuals and asking questions both inside and outside the classroom.

He also cautioned against activities that could jeopardise their education, reminding them to familiarise themselves with the University's Student Handbook and abide by its rules and regulations.

He identified examination malpractice, plagiarism, bullying, assault, sexual harassment, drug abuse, occultism and cybercrime among offences considered serious by the University, warning that offenders could face dismissal and possible prosecution.