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Tarkwa, Ghana – The Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) has awarded full scholarships to 45 brilliant but needy female students at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, under its flagship Women from Mining Communities (WomCoM) scholarship scheme.
Hon. Yakubu Mohammed (seated 4th from right), MP for Ahafo Ano South East, Prof. Richard Amankwah (seated 5th from right), Vice Chancellor, UMaT, Hon. Issah Taylor (seated 5th from left), MP for Tarkwa Nsuaem, Ms. Theresa Gyasi-Antwi (seated right), Chairperson, WoMCom, other dignitaries and the student award recipients after the presentation ceremony.
The initiative, launched in June 2024, is part of MIIF’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts to empower academically gifted young women from Ghana’s mining communities to pursue education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and mining-related disciplines.
This year’s scholarship award, valued at GHS460,000, benefits 43 undergraduate and 2 postgraduate students. Undergraduate recipients each received GHS10,000, while postgraduate students were awarded GHS15,000, covering tuition, accommodation, and other essential academic expenses.
The WomCoM programme received over 100 applications, with 45 successful candidates selected through a rigorous and transparent vetting process. The process was supervised by a five-member Steering Committee comprising representatives from MIIF and UMaT.
Speaking at the award ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of MIIF, Mrs Justina Nelson, whose speech was read on her behalf by the Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South-East, Mr Yakubu Mohammed, reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to gender equity in the extractive sector.
“Our goal is not to provide partial help, we are here to make real impact.”
Beyond financial support, we are lifting burdens, raising aspirations, and changing narratives in communities that have often been left behind.”
Mrs. Nelson praised the partnership with UMaT under the leadership of Prof. Richard Amankwah and expressed gratitude to the Steering Committee for its professionalism and integrity in managing the process since its inception last year.
She also seized the opportunity to announce plans to expand the programme to include Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) as part of efforts by MIIF to broaden the scope and impact of the scholarship programme to impact many more women from mining communities.
The MIIF CEO paid glowing tribute to corporate Ghana saying, this year’s initiative was heavily supported by; OmniBSIC Bank, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, First Atlantic Bank, First Bank, and Procus Ghana Limited (makers of Kivo products).
“Their contributions mark a new phase of collaboration between MIIF and Corporate Ghana in advancing education and gender equity in our country,” she added.
Mrs Nelson expressed the hope that with the scholarship initiative now set to be expanded, corporate Ghana will join hands with the Fund as part of their corporate social responsibility, to reach out to more women from the mining communities who are pursuing STEM courses.
To the awardees, Mrs Nelson noted: “You were chosen not only for your academic potential but because you embody hope.
Strive for excellence and remember you are paving the way for many more girls who will look to you and believe that they too can succeed.”
She reaffirmed MIIF’s commitment to sustain the WomCoM initiative as a transformative platform for building female capacity across Ghana’s mining value chain and expressed the hope that, with corporate Ghana on board, more can be done for brilliant but needy women from mining communities.
Welcome to the weekly market update produced by MIIF!
The Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) will tomorrow, Tuesday, September 16, 2025, officially present full scholarship awards to 45 brilliant but financially needy female students at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa in the Western Region.
The awards are part of MIIF’s flagship Women from Mining Communities (WomCoM) scholarship scheme, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at empowering academically gifted young women from Ghana’s mining communities.
The scholarship will support their pursuit of tertiary education in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and mining-related disciplines.
Launched in June 2024, the WomCoM scheme is designed to improve access to higher education for women in extractive areas and to promote gender balance in Ghana’s mining and mineral sector.
This year’s award, valued at GHS460,000, covers full tuition, accommodation, and other essential academic expenses.
It benefits 43 undergraduate students, each receiving GHS10,000, and 2 postgraduate students, who will receive GHS15,000 each.
The 45 beneficiaries were selected from over 100 applicants through a competitive and transparent process overseen by a five-member Steering Committee made up of representatives from both MIIF and UMaT.
This year’s awards are particularly unique, as, through the leadership of MIIF’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Justina Nelson, Corporate Ghana has come on board as a partner—helping to enhance the scheme and paving the way for its future expansion to benefit students from other universities.
The corporate institutions are: OMNIBSIC Bank, Access Bank, and Zenith Bank. The rest are KIVO, First Bank and First Atlantic Bank.
The award ceremony will be held on UMaT campus and is expected to be attended by officials from MIIF, university leadership, traditional authorities from beneficiary communities, and other stakeholders in the mining and education sectors.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), Mrs. Justina Nelson, has reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to a proactive approach toward institutional excellence and strict adherence to regulatory frameworks.
She made the remarks when the Board and Management of MIIF paid a courtesy call to the Public Services Commission (PSC) in Accra on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. The visit, led by the Chairman of the MIIF Board, Mr. Richard Kwame Asante, forms part of the Fund’s broader stakeholder engagement strategy.
From left: Ing. Mrs. Mabel Amoako-Atta, Secretary to the Commission; Dr. Stella Agyenim-Boateng, Vice Chairperson of the Commission; Mr. Richard Kwame Asante, Board Chairman, MIIF; Prof. Victor Kwame Agyeman, Chairman of the Commission; Mrs. Justina Nelson, CEO, MIIF; and Dr. Prince Edward Darah, Member of the Commission.
Describing the meeting as a significant step in strengthening institutional relationships, Mrs. Nelson noted that MIIF remains fully committed to operating within Ghana’s public service regulatory ecosystem while maintaining its operational independence as a sovereign mineral’s income investment fund.
“Our proactive engagements are intended to align MIIF’s internal governance frameworks with national standards while optimising returns from Ghana’s mineral wealth,” she stated.
She further explained that the Fund’s leadership is working cohesively to uphold the highest standards of corporate governance and deliver on its national mandate as defined by its amended Act.
The MIIF team (seated right) in discussions with representatives of the Commission
“Our proactive engagements are intended to align MIIF’s internal governance frameworks with national standards while optimising returns from Ghana’s mineral wealth,” she stated.
She further explained that the Fund’s leadership is working cohesively to uphold the highest standards of corporate governance and deliver on its national mandate as defined by its amended Act.
Mr. Richard Kwame Asante (left), Board Chairman, MIIF, engaging with Mrs. Justina Nelson, CEO of the Fund.
Mr. Asante, the Board Chairman, inquired about the specific procedures required for MIIF to align with the Commission’s standards, particularly regarding staffing and institutional structures.
In response, the Chairman of the Public Services Commission, Professor Victor Kwame Agyeman, offered detailed guidance on public service best practices.
He emphasized the need for MIIF to develop a comprehensive scheme of service that both reflects its unique mandate and aligns with public service principles.
He also touched on the Fund’s governance structure, recommending alignment with the public service grading system and constitutional requirements under Article 195 regarding appointments. The PSC outlined the structured interview process for senior management roles, including Category A and B positions, which must be guided by professional qualifications and experience.
The MIIF team engaging in discussions
The Vice Chair of the Commission, Dr. Stella Agyenim-Boateng, invited the MIIF leadership to participate in the annual Corporate Governance Conference for Board Chairs, CEOs, and Directors. She described it as a key platform for knowledge sharing and dialogue on governance within Ghana’s public service institutions.
MIIF Management team members present at the discussion table
Moving Forward
The meeting laid the groundwork for sustained collaboration between MIIF and the PSC. Both institutions expressed mutual commitment to promoting effective governance and strengthening institutional capacity in support of Ghana’s broader development goals.
Ing. Mrs. Mabel Amoako-Atta (3rd from left) Secretary to the Commission, making her submission during the meeting.
The PSC commended MIIF for taking the initiative to seek regulatory alignment and pledged continued support to help the Fund navigate its obligations under public service law while maintaining operational efficiency.
The people of Oguaa in the Central Region have lauded the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) for its impactful community engagements during the just-ended 61st Fetu Afahye.
The engagements provided a platform for residents to learn about MIIF’s mandate and the legal framework governing its operations. From one locality to another, the MIIF team educated the public on how Ghana’s mineral revenues are managed and invested, helping to foster trust and dispel misinformation.
The MIIF team engaging residents to educate them about the mandate of MIIF and to scan to follow the Fund on its social media platforms.
Stakeholders welcomed the opportunity for direct interaction and called on the Fund to align its future investments with the real needs and priorities of mining communities. They further advocated for regular engagements to build stronger, long-term relationships based on mutual respect and collaboration.
Community members noted that inclusive decision-making and consistent communication will promote social acceptance of mining activities and help prevent conflicts.
The MIIF team engaging residents to educate them about the mandate of MIIF and to scan to follow the Fund on its social media platforms.
The MIIF team, in turn, stressed the importance of enhanced cooperation between communities and legally operating mining companies.
They highlighted the potential for job creation, SME growth, and capacity building through such partnerships.
Residents were encouraged to use appropriate channels to resolve disputes with mining firms to ensure peaceful coexistence.
The MIIF team engaging residents to educate them about the mandate of MIIF and to scan to follow the Fund on its social media platforms.
According to the team, sustained peace enables mining companies to operate effectively, leading to increased royalties for MIIF to invest on behalf of the people.
The MIIF team engaging residents to educate them about the mandate of MIIF and to scan to follow the Fund on its social media platforms.
Consequently, MIIF urged residents to stay informed by visiting the Fund’s website and following its official social media platforms.
Earlier, in collaboration with the 61st Oguaa Fetu Afahye Planning Committee, MIIF organised a health screening exercise at Ato Austin Gardens on September 3, 2025.
The event drew around 200 residents, including women, children, and the elderly.
The exercise, held in partnership with Unichem Ghana Group, the Cape Coast Regional Health Directorate, and the Ghana Pharmaceutical Association, included general medical check-ups, eye screenings, Hepatitis B testing, blood sugar assessments, and nutritional counseling.
Participants also received over-the-counter medications and took part in health education sessions.
MIIF’s involvement in the health screening reflected its commitment to enhancing the well-being of mining communities through targeted Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The event also served as a valuable platform to raise awareness of MIIF’s work and its support for community development efforts tied to the annual Fetu Afahye.
The Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), in collaboration with the Planning Committee of the 61st Oguaa Fetu Afahye, has organized a health screening exercise for the people of Oguaa as part of a series of key activities marking this year’s festival.
Held at the Ato Austin Gardens on September 3, 2025, the exercise was attended by approximately 200 residents, including women, children, and the elderly. The event was organized in partnership with Unichem Ghana Group and supported by the Cape Coast Regional Health Directorate and the Ghana Pharmaceutical Association.
Services provided on the day included general medical check-ups, eye tests, Hepatitis B screening, blood sugar tests, and nutritional tips. Each participant received some over-the-counter medication and took part in a health education session.
A resident checking her blood pressure during the exercise
MIIF’s support underscores the Fund’s commitment to improving the lives of people in mining communities through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The event also served as an opportunity for MIIF to educate attendees about the Fund’s mandate and the rationale behind its sponsorship of this important initiative by the Planning Committee of the annual festival.
Mr Kojo Yankson (right), a member of the Oguaa Fetu Afahye Planning Committee having a chat with managers of the mini pharmacy set up during the health screening exercise
Commenting on the exercise, the team from MIIF expressed gratitude in seeing so many people turn up for this year’s health screening exercise to check their eyesight, know their Hepatitis B status, monitor their blood pressure, and check their weight.
They were equally pleased that each patron received essential medication to support their well-being adding that this aligns with MIIF’s CSR focus on health, which aims to ensure people in mining communities have access to quality healthcare as part of a broader goal of improving livelihoods.
A cross section of patrons awaiting to have their turn
The MIIF team also expressed profound gratitude to all partners of the programme; Oguaa Fetu Afahye Planning Committee, Unichem Ghana Group, Cape Coast Regional Health Directorate, the Ghana Pharmaceutical Association, as well as to all patrons, for making this year’s health screening exercise a resounding success.
A scene of the Ato Austin Memorial Park where the event was held
The medical team also commended the initiative, stating that the health screening exercise has become a vital annual activity for the community.
They also called on the patrons to take the medical tit bits seriously and live a healthy life.
