The Minerals Income and Investment Fund (MIIF) has unveiled a GH¢20 million scholarship initiative to enhance women’s participation from mining communities in Ghana’s mining sector.
In collaboration with the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), the program seeks to address gender disparities in a predominantly male industry.
MIIF CEO Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng, speaking at the launch, underscored the importance of investing in human capital alongside financial resources within the mining sector. He emphasized that sustainable development in mining hinges on fostering human capacity and growth.
The scholarship scheme is strategically designed to target bright students from needy backgrounds in mining communities, with a primary focus on STEM courses such as engineering and metallurgy. It is set to support up to 100 women annually, aligning with MIIF’s strategic goals and national policies.
Highlighting the significant gender gap in mining, Mr. Koranteng noted, “There’s a huge gender disparity. If you look at mining, for example, you have about 9 per cent of women in mining, especially in mainstream mining.”
Research supports the positive impact of increased female participation in the sector, driving more significant value creation. Mr Koranteng stressed, “The more you invest in women, the more value is created for the sector.”
The MIIF-UMaT Women in Mining Scholarship Scheme represents not only a step towards gender equity but also a transformative investment in Ghana’s future workforce. Mr. Koranteng likened the initiative to other transformative educational programs like the Free Senior High School (SHS), emphasizing its critical role in national development.
MIIF plans to evaluate the success of the scholarship program through regular reviews and assessments, ensuring that it continues to meet its objectives and make a meaningful impact. Looking ahead, MIIF plans to expand the scholarship program to include other universities, aiming to broaden opportunities for women across Ghana in the field of mining and related disciplines.
Overall, the initiative reflects MIIF’s unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development in Ghana’s mining sector through targeted investments in education and human capital.
