Management of Sunyani Technical University (STU) has paid a day’s visit to the Newmont Ahafo North Mine site located at Afrisipakrom in the Tano North Municipality as part of measures to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry.
The visit forms part of ongoing efforts to align technical education with industry demands while strengthening partnerships that support Ghana’s mining sector and broader economic development.
Welcoming the STU delegation to the site, the General Manager of Newmont Ahafo North Mine, Charles Bissue, has underscored the importance of strong collaboration between academia and industry and expressed appreciation to the university for initiating discussions on areas of mutual benefit.
Mr. Bissue described Newmont Ahafo North Mine as a critical and strategic investment for Newmont in Africa.
Bridging Theory and Practice
He commended the university’s decision to introduce a degree programme in Mining Engineering, describing it as a forward-looking move that aligns with the evolving needs of the mining industry.
According to him, modern mining extends beyond resource extraction to include sustainability, safety, and community development and7 noted that the mine is ready to provide students with practical exposure to complement classroom learning.
“We are happy to open our doors to you to provide an opportunity where theory and practice converge,” he said, adding that students would gain firsthand insight into the complexities and rewards of contemporary mining operations.
Operational Excellence
Mr. Bissue highlighted the mine’s growth since its official opening in October 2025, noting that it has rapidly developed into a hub of innovation and operational excellence.
He emphasized that every phase of the mine’s life cycle requires careful planning, advanced technology, and strong collaboration among professionals. He credited the success of the operation to the expertise and dedication of engineers, technicians, and other staff.
Beyond technical performance, he stressed Newmont’s commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility, ensuring that mining activities deliver lasting benefits to host communities.
Investing in People and Skills
The General Manager noted that the company has made significant investments not only in infrastructure but also in human capital through training, mentorship, and continuous learning programmes.
He encouraged the visiting delegation to take advantage of the visit to explore the mine’s facilities and gain deeper insight into best practices in the industry.
Partnership
Mr. Bissue described the emerging partnership between Sunyani Technical University and Ahafo North Mine as a vital bridge between academia and industry.
He said such collaboration would help equip students with practical skills, promote research, and support the development of innovative solutions to real-world challenges in the mining sector.
“Let us seize this opportunity to learn from one another, to innovate, and to shape the future of mining and technical education together,” he stated.
Continued Collaboration
He concluded by expressing optimism that the engagement would mark the beginning of a long-term relationship between the two institutions, focused on mutual growth and sustainable impact.
Academia–Industry Collaboration
For his part, the Vice-Chancellor of STU, Ing. Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, called for a deeper, structured partnership with Newmont going forward
The visit, he explained, was rooted in the need to reinforce academia – industry collaboration, guided by the Triple-Helix model of innovation, which emphasizes cooperation between universities, industry, and government to drive national progress.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, Sunyani Technical University is committed to producing industry-ready graduates through practical, competency-based training and stressed that the institution is well-positioned to supply skilled manpower to Newmont across multiple operational areas.
He further proposed the establishment of a formal engagement framework between the two institutions, including annual meetings and joint committees, to ensure sustained collaboration and alignment between academic training and industry needs.
Research and Innovation
A key highlight of the discussions was the potential for joint research initiatives. The university signaled readiness to collaborate with Newmont in areas such as mining technology, environmental sustainability, occupational safety, and community development.
The Vice-Chancellor suggested the creation of a joint research hub or center of excellence to support innovation, co-publication, and problem-solving for real industry challenges.
Capacity Building, Knowledge Exchange
The university also proposed expanded knowledge-sharing opportunities, including staff exchanges, guest lectures, and industry-led seminars. Such initiatives, he noted, would expose students and faculty to current industry practices while enabling Newmont professionals to contribute directly to academic training.
Opportunities for Broader Impact
Beyond academic collaboration, the Vice-Chancellor outlined several areas of mutual benefit. These include Newmont’s potential support for infrastructure development at the university, such as laboratories and technical equipment, to enhance training capacity.
He also appealed to the company to consider constructing tartan tracks at the university ahead of the GHATUSA 2027 Games, which STU is set to host, noting that the facility would serve institutions across the Bono regions.
Additionally, he highlighted new academic programmes, including BTech in Minerals Processing and newly accredited Mining Engineering courses, aimed at supporting sustainable mining in Ghana.
Specific Areas of Collaboration
The Vice-Chancellor detailed several targeted areas for partnership, including:
- Human capital development, such as apprenticeship certification, mentorship programmes, curriculum alignment, internships, and scholarships for students from mining communities.
- Research and innovation, focusing on sustainable mining practices, environmental management, and technical studies for mining projects.
- Community engagement, including STEM education initiatives, monitoring of social responsibility agreements, and promotion of local content in the mining value chain.
- Technical services, where the university could provide laboratory testing, environmental monitoring, and specialized research support for mining operations.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed optimism about the future of the partnership, emphasizing its potential to deliver mutual benefits for both institutions and surrounding communities.
He also extended an invitation to Newmont’s management to visit Sunyani Technical University for further discussions, signaling a continued commitment to building a long-term, impactful collaboration.
Massive socio-economic impact
The Vice-Chancellor commended Newmont for its substantial contributions to Ghana’s economy and the mining sector. He noted that the company paid GH¢5.153 billion in corporate taxes and GH¢399 million in withholding taxes in 2025 alone, underscoring its role as a major fiscal contributor to national development.
He also praised the company’s community-focused initiatives, particularly the Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation, which has driven sustainable development across host communities in the Ahafo region.
A mine tour was organized for the STU delegation. The tour took the delegation to an open mining pit, the processing plant and the tailing storage facility.
