The Minerals Development Fund (MDF) has commissioned a five-storey administration block for the University of Mines and Technology campus at Tarkwa.

The building which was constructed at a cost of Ghȼ18.7m is intended to increase productivity among the university hierarchy, ensure smooth business operations and establish a positive work environment.

It has a total of 69 rooms and offices including a 180 capacity conference room and an elevator.

Speaking at the opening of the facility, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said his vision to upgrade educational institutions ties with the commissioning of the building.

He urged the university authorities to put to good use the facility to ensure it stands the test of time.

On his part, the Administrator of MDF, Dr Norris Hammah who was excited about the opening said his outfit will continuously support institutions that fall within their sector through the fund.

He noted that, as the only mining university in West Africa, UMaT needed to be supported with funds from the MDF in line with the institution’s function which is provide financial resources to institutions responsible for the development of mining.

Board chair for MDF, Esther Happy Edjeani indicated that her outfit will continue to support the institution by providing funds for the completion of the other projects undertaken by MDF.

The Vice-Chancellor of UMaT, Richard Kwasi Amankwah, was grateful for the support and pledged to put the building in good shape. He also added that it will enhance administrative work on campus.

The MDF was set up to provide financial resources for the benefit of mining communities.

It derives its funds from 20 per cent of minerals royalty received from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), funds from holders of mining leases, money approved by Parliament for the fund, grants, donations, gifts, as well as money that accrues to the fund from investments made by the MDF Board.

MDF has 11-member board, with a mandate to operationalise the fund.