The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Tarkwa, Ghana, has introduced three new support programmes aimed at assisting students struggling with financial difficulties, hunger, and emotional distress. At its 25th matriculation ceremony for the 2026/2027 academic year, the University's Vice Chancellor, Professor Bernard Kumi-Boateng, announced the Emergency Student Support Fund, the One-Meal-a-Day Scheme, and a Work-Study Scheme. These initiatives aim to help students overcome challenges that may hinder their academic performance.
The Emergency Student Support Fund will provide financial assistance to students facing sudden hardships, including financial difficulties, the death of a loved one, or medical emergencies. The One-Meal-a-Day Scheme is designed to provide vulnerable students with a daily meal, enabling them to focus on their studies without worrying about hunger. Additionally, the Work-Study Scheme will offer students paid part-time roles in UMaT's libraries, laboratories, and offices, providing them with income and practical work experience.
Professor Kumi-Boateng emphasized that academic excellence cannot thrive when students are burdened with concerns about their next meal or feel overwhelmed and isolated. He also announced plans to strengthen the University's Counselling and Student Support Unit to address students' mental health and emotional wellbeing. The Vice Chancellor encouraged students to seek help when needed, stressing that their mental health is as important as their academic results.
UMaT has admitted 5,787 fresh undergraduate students for the 2026/2027 academic year, comprising 3,594 men and 2,193 women. Women now make up approximately 38 percent of the fresh intake, up from 34 percent last year and just over 18 percent in 2010. This increase is seen as encouraging for a university focused on mining, engineering, and geosciences.
The distribution of fresh undergraduates is as follows: 4,496 are enrolled at the Tarkwa campus, 1,104 at Essikado, 155 at the Kenyasi No. 2 campus, and 42 at the Bibiani Study Centre, while 320 students have joined the Pre-Engineering programme. The University has also admitted 572 postgraduate students for its Master's and PhD programmes, bringing UMaT's total student population to 19,683.
Professor Kumi-Boateng urged new students to stay focused, be disciplined, and make use of available opportunities. He cautioned them against conduct that could put their education at risk, citing offences such as examination malpractice, plagiarism, bullying, and cybercrime, which could lead to dismissal and prosecution.
The University's initiatives aim to support students in achieving academic success while addressing their basic needs. With a growing student population and an increasing number of women joining traditionally male-dominated fields, UMaT is taking steps to ensure that its students have a conducive learning environment.
Key points
- UMaT introduces three new support programmes for needy students
- The University admits 5,787 fresh undergraduate students for the 2026/2027 academic year
- Women make up 38 percent of the fresh intake, up from 18 percent in 2010
