AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, in partnership with the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) and Ladies in Mining and Allied Professions – Ghana (LIMAP-Gh), has organised the fifth edition of the “Start Right, End Well” mentorship programme for first-year students of UMaT.

The two-day mentorship programme, held under the theme “Focused Study, Strong Results,” took place at the university’s Tarkwa and Essikado campuses and introduced more than 2,000 freshmen to a structured mentorship initiative aimed at helping them maximise their academic potential and prepare for future careers in industry.

Speaking on behalf of the Senior Manager for Sustainability at AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, Dr Stephen Adjei, the Superintendent for Community Relations and Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM), Senyo Mensah Buake, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to promoting education and sustainable community development.

He said the mine continues to invest significantly in education and youth development initiatives, including scholarships, infrastructure, and capacity-building programmes designed to support the next generation of professionals.

“In 2025, we invested GH¢17.2 million through our Education and Youth Development Programme to improve access to quality education and empower young people within the municipality,” Mr Buake said.

He added that under the mine’s Community Scholarship Programme, 224 students received financial support, including 154 students from UMaT, comprising 81 females and 73 males.

Mr Buake encouraged the students to remain disciplined and focused on their studies, noting that consistent dedication and commitment to excellence are key to achieving strong academic results.

The Vice Chancellor of UMaT, Professor Richard Amankwah, commended AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine and LIMAP-Gh for their continued partnership and support of the university.

He noted that mentorship plays a critical role in shaping responsible and forward-thinking professionals.

He urged the freshmen to take advantage of the mentorship opportunity to expand their knowledge, build professional networks, and align their academic pursuits with industry expectations.

Founder of LIMAP-Gh, Professor Grace Ofori Sarpong, also highlighted the importance of mentorship in empowering young people, particularly women, to pursue excellence in STEM and mining-related careers.

She encouraged the students to remain committed to their studies and seize every opportunity for personal and professional development.

As part of the programme, a panel discussion featuring experts from both industry and academia was organised to provide students with practical insights into academic success and career development in the mining sector.

The panellists shared experiences from their professional journeys and offered guidance on discipline, networking, leadership, and the importance of aligning academic studies with industry expectations.

Some of the first-year students who participated in the programme expressed appreciation to AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine and LIMAP-Gh for the initiative, describing it as timely, insightful, and inspiring as they begin their academic journey at the university.