The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) on Saturday, August 1, 2026, formally invested Professor Bernard Kumi-Boateng as its fourth Vice-Chancellor, marking a significant leadership transition for one of Ghana’s leading specialised universities.

The investiture ceremony, held at the UMaT Main Auditorium, followed the conclusion of Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah’s tenure. Professor Kumi-Boateng’s appointment, which took effect on August 1, 2026, was approved by the University Council after a rigorous and transparent selection process conducted by a Search Committee.

Professor Kumi-Boateng, a Professor of Geomatic Engineering and former Dean of the Faculty of Geosciences and Environmental Studies, is the first alumnus of UMaT to assume the position of Vice-Chancellor.

He brings nearly two decades of experience in teaching, research, institutional leadership and industry collaboration to the role.

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His journey is widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most inspiring stories of resilience and determination. Born in Bantama, Kumasi, he grew up under challenging circumstances.

As a young man, he worked as a public toilet attendant in Bantama while facing significant uncertainty about completing his senior high school education. Through perseverance, hard work and faith, he overcame these early obstacles to pursue higher education.

He obtained his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the then KNUST School of Mines (now UMaT) and later earned a PhD in Geomatic Engineering from the same institution.

He rose through the academic ranks to become a professor and has held several key administrative positions at UMaT, including Dean of Students, Dean of Planning and Quality Assurance, and Head of several academic departments.

Known for his humility and commitment to mentoring others, Professor Kumi-Boateng has been recognised for fostering industry-academia partnerships and advancing research and institutional development.

In his vision for the university, he has outlined plans centred on innovation, financial sustainability, quality teaching and research, and accountable leadership, with the long-term goal of positioning UMaT among Africa’s leading science and engineering institutions.

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His appointment and investiture have been welcomed by the university community and other stakeholders as a testament to the power of determination and the possibility of rising from humble beginnings to a position of national leadership in higher education.

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