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For many young women from Ghana’s mining communities, stepping onto the campus of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Tarkwa is a dream that often collides with financial reality. Some arrive with brilliant minds and big aspirations, only to consider deferring their studies within weeks because of unpaid fees.
This year, that story took a different turn for female students, as the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), through its Women from Mining Communities (WomCoM) initiative, awarded them full scholarships valued at GH¢460,000; a lifeline that covers tuition, accommodation, and other academic needs.
The initiative, launched in 2024, is MIIF’s bold attempt to change the narrative for underprivileged but gifted young women pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as well as mining-related courses.
“Our objective is not simply to hand out money,” explained MIIF’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Justina Nelson, in remarks delivered on her behalf by board member and MP for Ahafo Ano South-East, Mr. Yakubu Mohammed. “We are removing burdens, raising aspirations, and ensuring that no young woman’s brilliance is dimmed by financial difficulty.”
This year, 43 undergraduates received GH¢10,000 each, while two postgraduate students were awarded GH¢15,000 apiece.
The Vice Chancellor of UMaT, Prof. Richard Amankwah, described the scholarships as transformational. “Occasionally, some of our best students are forced to think of leaving because they cannot afford even half of the registration fees. With this support, I am confident they will finish their programmes strong,” he said.
Prof. Amankwah also hinted at the university’s plans to create more opportunities for female students in engineering and technology, ensuring they leave school with practical skills for the workforce.
For the Member of Parliament for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, Mr. Issah Taylor, the initiative speaks to a larger vision.
“The wealth of our land must uplift our people. Circumstances must never overshadow the brilliance of our daughters. By investing in their education, we are securing greater returns for our communities and our nation,” he said.
Mr. Taylor also offered words of encouragement to the beneficiaries, urging them to see the opportunity as both a gift and a responsibility.
He challenged them to focus fully on their studies, serve as role models for other young girls in their communities, and cultivate leadership qualities that would set them apart in the professional world.
Most importantly, he reminded them to one day give back: “When you succeed, return to your communities and extend a helping hand to others, just as you have been helped today.”
This year’s WomCoM programme enjoyed the support of several corporate bodies, including OmniBSIC Bank, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, First Atlantic Bank, First Bank, and Procus Ghana Limited. Their contributions, Mrs. Nelson said, marked “a new phase of collaboration in advancing education and gender equity in Ghana.”
MIIF has further announced plans to extend the scholarships to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), giving even more young women the chance to chase their ambitions.
