Tarkwa: Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, Vice Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), has proposed to the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation (GFGF) the construction of a hostel for students on their scholarship programme. He highlighted that accommodation costs in Tarkwa significantly impact the scholarship funds allocated to students, suggesting that a dedicated hostel could alleviate these financial pressures.
According to Ghana News Agency, during the Mines 2024/2025 scholarship awards ceremony at UMaT, the Vice Chancellor expressed his hope that Gold Fields would incorporate the hostel project into their next major budget. He argued that controlling hostel accommodation costs would allow students to allocate more of their scholarship funds towards other essential needs.
Prof. Amankwah emphasized the transformative power of scholarships, noting their role in supporting educational advancement. He pointed out that many students face the risk of deferring their studies due to financial constraints, which can extend their academic programs unnecessarily.
Citing an inspiring story, the Vice Chancellor recalled a young technical student from the Bono Ahafo region who managed to build a small airplane. Despite lacking a Senior High School certificate, Prof. Amankwah facilitated a scholarship for the student, who later excelled in the presidential pitch competition and won an award of $25,000. This success story, he hoped, would inspire other students to pursue excellence and innovation.
Prof. Amankwah urged scholarship beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity for academic and personal growth, encouraging them to aspire beyond academic success and become leaders who create opportunities for others. He expressed confidence in their potential to drive progress and development in Ghana.
