The Underground Mining Alliance (UMA), a private company providing comprehensive mining services to the Newmont Ahafo South Mine, has awarded scholarships worth GH¢504,513.56 to 57 beneficiaries drawn from its host communities in the Asutifi North District of the Ahafo Region.

The beneficiaries comprise 10 tertiary students pursuing science and engineering programmes at various universities across the country, and 47 apprentices undertaking vocational training in hairdressing, dressmaking, electrical installation, and welding and fabrication.

Since its inception in 2021, the scholarship scheme has covered tuition, accommodation, learning materials, and essential tools, aimed at ensuring that financial challenges do not derail the academic and professional aspirations of deserving students and trainees.

The initiative forms part of UMA’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) objective of promoting sustainable development and human capital growth in mining communities.

Speaking at a scholarship presentation ceremony held on Thursday at Ntotroso, the Underground Mining Manager for UMA–Ahafo South Subika Underground, Peter Osei-Mensah, disclosed that the latest support was awarded under the UMA–NADeF Community Scholarship Excellence Award.

The scheme targets brilliant but financially constrained students and apprentices to enhance skills development and long-term community development.

Under the current phase, two tertiary students and ten apprentices from UMA’s host communities received scholarships and skills development tools after a careful selection process.

The Board Chairman of the Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF), Prof. Yaw Ofosu-Kusi, noted that beneficiaries were selected through a rigorous and transparent process based on academic merit, demonstrated financial need, and community validation.

He encouraged awardees to uphold high standards of integrity and academic excellence, and to use their acquired knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to local and national development.

Beyond scholarships, UMA has undertaken several community development projects, including the construction of classroom blocks with boreholes, donation of medical equipment to the Kramokrom and Koforidua CHPS compounds, medical screening exercises for Gyedu residents, and the construction of walkways at the Kenyasi Government Hospital.

Mr. Osei-Mensah reiterated that UMA’s focus goes beyond mining and profit-making, emphasizing the company’s commitment to building a sustainable and resilient local economy. He urged beneficiaries to remain focused, work hard, and give back to their communities, stressing that everyone has the ability to make a positive impact.

The Project Manager for UMA Subika Underground, Keith Riggs, expressed optimism that the company’s CSR initiatives would nurture a new generation of business leaders, mining engineers, and scientists who will contribute to community development, company growth, and national progress.

He added that UMA is proud to see young people from its host communities academically and economically empowered to drive innovation and socio-economic development in the Ahafo Region.

On behalf of the beneficiaries, Kofi Awisdom, a native of Kenyasi No. 1, expressed gratitude to UMA for the timely support, describing it as a major boost to their academic and professional journeys. He pledged that beneficiaries would use the opportunity to positively impact their communities and contribute to national development.