The Ghana Chamber of Mines has announced a US$2 million commitment to the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) as part of its ongoing efforts to improve mining education in the country.
The pledge was made by Chamber President Edem Akafia at the 6th Biennial Conference on Human Resource Management in the Mining Industry in Accra.
The funds, representing the second tranche of the Tertiary Education Fund, will be disbursed over five years starting in 2025. The contributions, sourced from the Chamber’s producing member companies, aim to enhance UMaT’s ability to cultivate skilled graduates for the mining sector.
Akafia stressed the Chamber’s dedication to fostering academic excellence and nurturing young talent within the local mining industry. The first tranche of US$2 million had a significant impact on UMaT, funding research grants for faculty and postgraduate students, and providing over GH₵1.3 million in bursaries for more than 1,336 undergraduates.
In addition to the funding, Akafia highlighted the Chamber’s broader initiatives to create a sustainable workforce in the mining industry. This includes the development of a competency framework for 472 job roles to guide recruitment, training, and talent retention.
The Chamber is also collaborating with unions, including the Ghana Mineworkers Union, to boost productivity and sustainability in the industry. A proposed Industry Framework Agreement is in the works to guide the implementation of current employment models.
Akafia addressed the evolving role of HR in the mining sector, emphasizing the importance of HR professionals in shaping the industry’s future, especially in aligning workforce management with technological advancements and sustainability goals.
The conference, themed “Navigating the New Normal: HR Innovations for Sustainable Mining,” convened industry leaders to discuss sector challenges and opportunities.
Also, the Chief Executive (CEO) of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Dr. Sulemanu Koney, acknowledged the industry’s multifaceted challenges, including talent shortages, skill mismatches, and the need for digital transformation.
He emphasized the potential of technologies like automation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to improve operational efficiency and safety, while also necessitating a rethinking of workforce management approaches.
Dr. Koney further stressed the pivotal role of HR in driving sustainability initiatives within the mining sector, noting that sustainable mining practices are increasingly a priority for governments, communities, and investors.
He highlighted the unique position of HR professionals to influence employee behavior and mindsets to align with sustainable goals.
