UMaT instals Prof. Kumi-Boateng as 4th Vice-Chancellor
The immediate past Dean of the Faculty of Geosciences and Environmental Studies at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, Professor Bernard Kumi-Boateng, has been installed as the fourth Vice-Chancellor of the university.
His appointment took effect from August 1, 2026.
As part of the investiture ceremony, Prof. Kumi-Boateng was sworn into office by the Chairperson of the University Council, Professor Mrs Goski Alabi. He was subsequently robed in a ceremonial gown and presented with the university’s mace.
At 47, Prof. Kumi-Boateng becomes the first UMaT-trained professor to be appointed Vice-Chancellor. A full Professor of Geomatic Engineering, he is also currently the youngest professor by rank at the university.
In his acceptance speech, Prof. Kumi-Boateng said UMaT, as a rapidly expanding institution, stood at a critical point in its development and required purposeful leadership to drive its transformation agenda.
He indicated that his administration would pursue a four-year strategic plan aimed at positioning UMaT as the “MIT of Africa”, adding that the vision would be achieved through alignment rather than disruption.
“We will pursue that vision not through disruption, but through alignment,” he stated, explaining that the new agenda was anchored on the university’s existing strategic plan laid by his predecessor, Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, and the university community.
Prof. Kumi-Boateng emphasised that academic excellence at UMaT would be grounded in professionalism, discipline, integrity, mutual respect and good character, which he said must be reflected in students’ appearance and interactions.
He further noted that the habits students cultivated during their academic journey would shape their future opportunities.
In that regard, he disclosed that the university’s student conduct framework would be reviewed to promote responsibility, inclusiveness, professionalism and respect for individuality.
On financial sustainability, Prof. Kumi-Boateng identified over-reliance on government funding as a major challenge, noting that the university had recorded an average funding shortfall of 25 per cent between 2021 and 2025.
He said his administration would pursue a holistic and accountable financial management strategy to reduce that dependence.
According to him, achieving financial sustainability would involve the commercialisation of research, consultancy services and physical assets such as the university’s demonstration mine and waterfall.
“The next four years should be used to turn ideas into income for a more resilient university,” he said.
Touching on infrastructure, Prof. Kumi-Boateng acknowledged that the university’s ambitions were constrained by inadequate laboratories, overcrowded lecture halls and housing deficits.
He expressed optimism that the next four years would see aggressive investment in infrastructure, including the modernisation of the Essikado, Samahu and Kenyasi Number Two campuses, as well as the Bibiani Community School.
The outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, described his tenure as one that advanced scholarship, innovation and entrepreneurship to support Ghana’s industrial development.
For her part, Prof. Alabi said the University Council looked forward to working closely with Prof. Kumi-Boateng to strengthen UMaT’s position as a leading institution in mining, engineering and applied sciences. She also commended Prof. Amankwah for his transformative leadership.
FROM CLEMENT ADZEI BOYE, TARKWA
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