A distinguished Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy has made a compelling call to Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi to equip its students with expertise in operating autonomous vehicles and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in mining practices.
Ing. Henry Antwi emphasised the need for KNUST to spearhead a transformative initiative in mining education. His remarks came during a public lecture organised by the College of Engineering at KNUST, centred on the theme "Harnessing the Transformative Power of Ghana’s Mineral Wealth for Human Capital Development and Sustainable Economic Growth."
Ing. Antwi urged the University to prioritise the evolution of mining education, particularly emphasising the need for comprehensive training programmes targeting the youth, a significant demographic within Ghana's populace. He stressed the pivotal role of collaboration between academia and industry in bolstering Ghana's mining competitiveness.
Underlining the importance of robust partnerships between KNUST and mining companies, Ing. Antwi advocated for the University to leverage its resources to provide both theoretical instruction and apprenticeship opportunities. Such initiatives, he contended, would equip students with practical skills, spur innovation, and address the sector's pressing challenges. Ing. Henry Antwi also mentioned sponsoring sixty-one (61) students from KNUST to the Australasian Institute, some of whom are now working in the industry.
According to him, Africa holds about 30% of global reserves but lacks significant mineral wealth due to noncompetitive mineral policies. He emphasised the need for Ghana's policies to be competitive with those of mineral-rich countries, advocating for robust infrastructure, enhanced mineral capacity, reduced administrative bureaucracy, and depoliticisation of Ghana's mining sector. He urged academia and industry to actively contribute to enhancing Ghana's mining sector’s competitiveness by avoiding political affiliations, minimising administrative costs through structured implementations, and establishing robust monitoring regimes to streamline operations and attract investors through potential tax exemptions.
The public lecture also served as a platform for Ing. Antwi to advocate for the development of sustainable post-mine industrialisation strategies. He emphasised the significance of leveraging KNUST's expertise to support the transformation of mining communities, particularly, communities like Obuasi, and advocated for collaboration between the KNUST Obuasi Campus, mining companies, and local stakeholders to drive economic growth and create lasting benefits for the community. “It is time that KNUST use the Obuasi Campus to collaborate and work with the Obuasi mines in these technological times,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, emphasised the importance of critical discourse on mineral resources and expressed gratitude to Ing. Antwi for sharing his expertise and global impact on the mining sector. She expressed confidence that his insights would enhance a deep understanding of the topic. She highlighted the complex relationship between mineral wealth, human capital development, and economic growth, stressing the necessity for thoughtful analysis and strategic planning to fully utilise Ghana's resources for sustainable development.
The Provost of the College of Engineering, Professor Kwabena Biritwum, underscored the vital role of mining in Ghana's economy and development, noting the timeliness of the lecture in an era of automation and intelligence in the sector.
The public lecture garnered the attendance of a distinguished assembly of experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and thought leaders. This convergence of notable individuals fostered engaging and insightful dialogues centred on the challenges and opportunities within the mining sector.