John Dramani Mahama is the President of Ghana
President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minerals Commission to immediately issue a mining license to the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) to enable it operate its model small-scale mine.
The directive was given during UMaT’s 18th Special Congregation held on Friday, February 7, 2026, where the university awarded 55 postgraduate degrees, including six Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees and 21 master’s degrees, according to a report by citinewsroom.com.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice Chancellor of UMaT, Prof Richard Kwasi Amankwah, disclosed that the institution had completed all required exploration works on the proposed site but was still awaiting regulatory approval to begin operations.
He described the model mine project as a potential game changer that could promote responsible and sustainable small-scale mining practices across the country, while serving as a practical training ground for students.
President assures UMaT of mining licence and staffing clearance
President Mahama, who attended the ceremony at which the Chief Executive Officer of Engineers and Planners, Ibrahim Mahama, was awarded a PhD, called for the licensing process to be expedited without delay.
“The Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission is here, and I wish that by the time we leave here he makes a commitment to issue the license to the university.
“His minister is also here, I expect his minister to direct him to issue that license,” he said.
He further instructed the Minerals Commission to work closely with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to fast-track the process, stressing the need to support academic institutions in translating theory into practice.
UMaT, Ghana’s leading specialised mining university, has for years pursued opportunities to integrate hands-on mining operations into its academic programmes to better prepare graduates for the industry.
SO/EB
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