The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, has appointed Professor Bernard Kumi-Boateng as its new Vice Chancellor, effective August 1, 2026.
He takes over from Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah.
The appointment follows what the university describes as a rigorous and transparent selection process conducted by a duly constituted Search Committee.
Established by the University Council in line with institutional statutes, the committee carried out an extensive national and international search, applied clearly defined criteria, and undertook a thorough evaluation of candidates before submitting its recommendations.
After reviewing the committee’s report, the University Council approved Professor Kumi-Boateng’s appointment, citing his distinguished academic record, leadership experience, and demonstrated capacity to advance the strategic vision of UMaT.
Chairperson of the University Council, Professor (Mrs) Goski Alabi, expressed confidence in the new Vice Chancellor’s ability to lead the institution into its next phase of growth.
She noted that Professor Kumi-Boateng brings strong credentials in academic leadership, research, and institutional development, which align with the university’s long-term goals.
“The Council is confident that Professor Kumi-Boateng possesses the vision, integrity, and leadership capability required to guide UMaT into its next phase of growth,” she stated, adding that the Council looks forward to working closely with him to strengthen the university’s position as a leading institution in mining, engineering, and applied sciences.
The Council also commended members of the Search Committee for their diligence and professionalism in ensuring a merit-based and credible selection process.
About Professor Bernard Kumi-Boateng
Professor Bernard Kumi-Boateng is a distinguished academic and professional in geomatic engineering, currently serving as a Professor in the Department of Geomatic Engineering at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa. He is also the Dean of the Faculty of Geosciences and Environmental Studies, a Licensed Surveyor, and a member of the UMaT Governing Council.
His expertise spans a wide range of areas including resettlement action planning, asset surveys, environmental management, compensation and cadastral surveying, drone surveys, socio-economic impact assessment, land access, and sustainable community development. He also has a strong interest in urban mining, particularly e-waste management and stakeholder engagement within the informal sector.
Professor Kumi-Boateng has provided consultancy services to several international and local organisations, including GIZ (Germany), Fairphone (Netherlands), AngloGold Ashanti (Iduapriem and Obuasi), Gold Fields Ghana Ltd, Atlantic Lithium Ltd, the Mountain Research Institute, and the Sustainable Recycling Institute, among others.
He is affiliated with numerous professional bodies, including the International Association of Engineers (IAENG), Canadian Institute of Geomatics (CIG), African Association of Remote Sensing of the Environment (AARSE), American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS), Ghana Institution of Engineers (GhIE), Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS), and the Ghana Geospatial Society (GGS). He is also a Fellow of the West African Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (WAIMM) and a Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Project Management Professionals, Ghana (IPMP).
Academically, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geomatic Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), as well as two Master of Science degrees from KNUST and the International Institute for Geo-information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) in the Netherlands. He earned his PhD from UMaT in a record two years. In addition, he holds a Professional Doctorate in Project Management, along with certificates in Theology, Pastoral Studies, Counselling, and Family Therapy from Pentecost University.
Within UMaT, he has held several leadership and administrative roles, including Dean of Planning and Quality Assurance, Dean of Students, Chaplain, Vice Dean of Students, Vice Dean of International Programmes, and Head of multiple departments. He has also served on over 200 ad-hoc committees, as well as in roles such as Senior Hall Tutor, Examinations Officer, and Training Coordinator.
Beyond Ghana, Professor Kumi-Boateng has served as a visiting professor at the University of The Gambia and the University of Nairobi. He has also contributed to academic and examination bodies, including serving for a decade on the Ghana National Committee of WAEC and on the International Final Awards and Examiners’ Appointments Committee of WAEC.
He has further contributed to global academic initiatives as a reviewer under the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Programme and for the UK’s Newton Prize under the National Commission for UNESCO. Additionally, he participated in a World Bank-sponsored regional capacity-building programme focused on benchmarking African universities.
