Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Announces GH¢50 Million for UMaT Expansion and National Dialogue on School Discipline

26th July•2 min read•2 sources

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced a significant GH¢50 million government allocation intended for the operationalization of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) Kenyasi Number Two Campus in the Ahafo Region. Speaking at the campus commissioning ceremony, the Minister detailed the government's commitment to expanding access to specialized higher education while simultaneously addressing systemic behavioral issues within the broader school system. The new campus development was significantly bolstered by the Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF), which funded a GH¢13.9 million four-storey lecture block equipped with eight modern lecture halls and state-of-the-art facilities.

During his address, Minister Iddrisu emphasized that the government's investment in UMaT is part of a larger strategy to provide a well-educated workforce for the nation's extractive industries. He praised the collaboration between the Kenyasi Number Two Traditional Council and Newmont Ghana Gold Limited, urging continued contributions to the Foundation to drive regional development. Beyond the immediate funding for UMaT, the Minister pledged additional resources through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), including new buses for educational institutions and infrastructure improvements for the Kenyasi Number Two OLA Girls Senior High School.

Parallel to these infrastructure gains, the Ministry of Education is launching a national initiative to combat a rising tide of indiscipline, vandalism, and bullying in schools. Describing the current situation as a "national wake-up call," Mr. Iddrisu announced plans for a National Dialogue on Discipline in Schools. This initiative seeks to bring together parents, educators, and community stakeholders to identify the root causes of student misconduct and develop sustainable solutions. Proposed measures include a comprehensive review of disciplinary policies, the enhancement of guidance and counseling services, and the promotion of stricter ethical standards among teaching staff.

These combined efforts reflect the Mahama administration's dual focus on physical infrastructure and the moral fiber of the nation's youth. By investing in high-level technical facilities like the UMaT campus while fostering a culture of responsibility and ethics, the government aims to build a more resilient educational framework. The Minister concluded by noting that while the state will continue to provide funding and policy direction, the ultimate success of these programs relies on collective national participation and a shared commitment to excellence and discipline.

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Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Announces GH¢50 Million for UMaT Expansion and National Dialogue on School Discipline

More from education

Obuasi East Assembly Supports SHS Fire Victims as Challenging Heights Strengthens Child Protection Governance

Local Leaders and Philanthropists Spearhead Educational Support in Jirapa and Ekumfi Municipalities

Youth Minister and Education Leaders Advocate for Values-Based Development and Growth Mindset in Ghana

CSIR-WRI Introduces Integrated Aquaculture-Agriculture System to Boost Food Production and Sustainability