The University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa (UMaT) on Thursday launched its 60th anniversary with a call on its administration and students to continue the hard work they have exhibited over the past years.
The year-long celebration will be marked by activities such as street procession, conference, quiz, lectures and host of
The theme for the celebration is: “60 years of unrivaled mining and allied engineering education achievement, challenges and prospect”.
Speaking at the ceremony in Tarkwa, Professor Daniel Meriku-Gyimah, Vice Chancellor for UMaT, said the University started as the Tarkwa Technical Institute (TTI) on November 3, 1952, but was officially commissioned by the Governor of the Gold Coast, Sir Charles Noble Arden Clark on October 7, 1961.
He said in 1961 it was recognized to become the Tarkwa School of Mines (TSM) to train the required manpower for the mining and allied industries in Ghana.
Professor Meriku-Gyimah said in 1976, government took cognizance of the capability of TMS and its strategic location and was therefore affiliated to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KUNST) as a faculty of the University so as to enable TMS offer degree, diploma and certificate programme in mining and related fields.
In 2001, he said, the Council of KUNST considered and approved proposals as well as recommendations of the academic board to merge the school of mines at Tarkwa with the Western University College of KUNST, Tarkwa.
The Vice Chancellor said on November 3, 2004 Parliament of Ghana passed the bill of UMaT into an act of Parliament and the President on November 12 subsequently gave the Presidential assent.
He, however, commended government, Ghana Chamber of Mines and the Omanhene of Wassa Fiase Traditional area for the immense contribution they made towards the development of the University.
Professor Bruce Banoeng-Yakubu, University Council Chairman, also congratulated past principal’s and stakeholders for nurturing and supporting the school financially and materially.
He unveiled the anniversary cloth, T shirts and caps and appealed to the public to patronize it to reflect the true beauty of the University.
The occasion was attended by the Omanhene of Wassa Fiase Traditional area, Osargyefo Dr. Kwamene Enimil VI, past and present chief executive officers of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Dr. Joyce Aryee and Dr. Tony Obeng and Principals from other universities.
The launch was used to unveiled busts of past principals and the present Vice Chancellor who have severed the University from 1952 – 2003.
They include Mr. John Philpott, Mr. Michael Tettey Kofi, Mr. John Kofi Borsah and Professors Daniel Mireku-Gyimah. GNA
