The Vice Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Professor Bernard Kumi-Boateng, has commended Gold Fields Ghana Limited, describing it as the top-performing company in the country regarding support for host communities and sustainable development.
Speaking at the 2026 Gold Fields Ghana Foundation Scholarship Award programme in Tarkwa, Professor Kumi-Boateng praised Gold Fields for its long-standing investment track record.
He noted that through its Foundation, the mining firm has directed over $100 million into local development, infrastructure, and human capital projects.
”We are academics, and we put out only facts—nothing but facts,” Prof. Kumi-Boateng stated. “Gold Fields Ghana Limited stands out as the best single company in Ghana when it comes to supporting host communities.
Transformative Local Impact
Highlighting key interventions, the Vice Chancellor referenced major legacy infrastructure projects funded by Gold Fields, including the $16 million Tarkwa Akoon Stadium and the 33-kilometer asphalt road connecting Abosso to Damang, constructed at a cost of over $27 million.
He emphasized that such projects provide tangible benefits to local communities and set a benchmark for corporate social investment in Ghana’s mining sector.
Beyond major infrastructure, Prof. Kumi-Boateng noted the direct human impact of Gold Fields’ programs, which have benefited over 6,000 community members through health initiatives, educational scholarships, and local economic development.
Support for Higher Education and UMaT
Addressing Gold Fields’ relationship with higher education institutions, Professor Kumi-Boateng contrasted the mining company’s reliability with other donors.
He recounted instances where administrative delays or unfulfilled promises from other corporate sponsors left students and university management under severe financial strain over unpaid tuition and hostel fees.
“We have not had such issues with Gold Fields when it comes to the scholarships that they give,” he told the audience, sharing that the company consistently delivers on its commitments for student support.
He also cited Gold Fields’ donation of an ambulance to UMaT, noting its vital role in supporting both campus medical services and broader emergency responses in the municipality.
The Vice Chancellor revealed that Gold Fields was the first mining company to pay a courtesy call on his office after he assumed duty as Vice Chancellor, signaling a strong commitment to institutional collaboration.
Modernizing Classrooms and Future Projects
During the address, Prof. Kumi-Boateng shared that initial discussions are underway with Gold Fields to upgrade UMaT’s teaching facilities into digital “smart classrooms” equipped with interactive boards.
He noted that the foundation recently reached out to request details on the number of smart boards needed to begin implementation in phases.
Looking to the long-term future, he urged Gold Fields to establish a lasting physical footprint on the UMaT campus by constructing a dedicated faculty block, estimated at $1.5 million.”
After mining is gone, the only thing that will remain will be our universities,” Prof. Kumi-Boateng said. “It is time for Gold Fields to leave its footprint so that generations of students will recognize what the company built for higher education in Ghana.”
Source: myinfotoday.com/Tarkwa
