In a move that has sent shockwaves through Ghana’s mining and academic communities, President John Dramani Mahama has issued a bold directive for the Minerals Commission to grant a license to the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) mine — a decision poised to reshape the nation’s mining landscape.
The order, described by insiders as “swift and unprecedented,” empowers UMaT to fully operate its mining ventures, unlocking both research opportunities and commercial potential. Analysts suggest this could signal a new era where academic institutions are directly contributing to Ghana’s multi-billion cedi mining sector.
Critics and supporters alike have taken to social media to react. Some hail the move as a visionary step that strengthens local control over mineral resources, while others warn about potential environmental and regulatory challenges.
“This is huge,” one mining industry expert commented. “A university mine operating under a presidential directive? That’s a first in Ghana!”
The Minerals Commission has reportedly been given strict instructions to expedite the licensing process, ensuring there are no bureaucratic delays. UMaT officials have promised that the mine will operate with high standards of safety, sustainability, and research-driven innovation.
Observers believe this directive could pave the way for other academic institutions to explore commercial mining, creating a precedent for education-driven industrial growth in the country.
With this stunning presidential order, Ghana’s mining sector faces a new chapter — one where universities may no longer be just centers of learning, but key players in the nation’s mineral wealth.
