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The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, has urged concerned parties to ensure a speedy resolution of the University Teachers Association of Ghana's (UTAG) demands to enable academic activities to resume.

He said it was unfortunate that the strike action had dragged and halted academic activities in all public universities across the country.

“UMaT for instance reopened more than a month ago and students have not gone to classes yet and therefore for us is not a good thing,” Prof. Amankwah said.

The Vice-Chancellor made the appeal at the weekend when the University held its 17th matriculation ceremony.

“As we hope that an amicable solution to the demands of UTAG would be met in the shortest possible time, I encourage the students to seize this rare opportunity to explore ways to make their stay in UMaT a success,” he added.

Prof. Amankwah said the past years had been challenging, considering the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic activities and all spheres of life, adding that “the lessons learnt would continue to shape the future of education.”

He explained that the combination of virtual and face-to-face interactions as practiced on campus was aimed at reducing the spread of the disease and also bring mining education to the doorstep of Ghanaians and other nationals.

“COVID-19 is still with us so do well to follow all the protocols, socialize with caution and take the vaccine when you get the chance,” the Vice-Chancellor advised.

Prof. Amankwah further said, “As the University provides you with the freedom of pursuing your studies, you must be guided by our core values of knowledge, truth and excellence at all times.”

He, therefore, challenged the matriculants, to bring their intellect and enthusiasm to bear to help solve some of the economic, social and environmental challenges that the country continues to face.