Foundation, Recognition & Academic Evolution
The 1975 year group laid the foundation for the interpretation of status of the School Diploma and its subsequent affiliation to the KNUST, Kumasi. The then President and General Secretary of MESA 1975 year group (Mensah A.A. and Mr. E. Ofosu-Asante - General Manager VEE) worked very hard on this to commit the Principal at the time, Mr. M.T. .Kofi to work on this - WE GAVE HIM A REAL HELL OF TIME.
In 1976 the desired recognition of the Diploma and its equivalence to the KNUST. Kumasi standard and affiliation came into being and first Diploma Certificate bearing the distinguished logo of the KNUST, Kumasi was issued
In 1977 the first batch.eft of the BSc candidates were admitted, initially, to do the first year at Kumasi campus' and the rest of their studies up-to the Postgraduate Diploma level at Tarkwa campus. Students so privileged to be the first candidates for the BSc - Postgraduate Diploma- were in the persons of
- Dr. Sulemana AI-Hassan
- Dr. Baffour-Boakve
- Mr. Raymond Suglo
- Mr. Seidu Yamba -Deceased
Founders
Executives
Referred to as the K’77 year group, this pathway continued until 1981, when the T’81 group became the first batch to start their studies entirely at the Tarkwa campus. This group laid the groundwork for the current system that offers BSc and MSc modular programmes in:
- Mining Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Mineral Exploration
This brief history would be incomplete without mention of critical institutional partners:
- CIDA sponsored academic programmes during the school’s early years and up to its affiliation.
- UNDP provided lecturers to build the academic base for running BSc programmes.
- GTZ supported with visiting lecturers for programme continuity.
During this phase, Ghanaian lecturers were engaged to understudy expatriates from UNDP and GTZ, with the aim of eventually taking over.
Initially, only male students were admitted to the various programmes. However, this changed when Miss Comfort Aba Amissah became the first female student admitted to the Certificate in Mining Engineering. Sadly, she couldn’t complete the programme due to ill health.
Around the same period, another female student was admitted to do an MVT course, now known as Mrs. Ndede.
The first woman to be admitted into the BSc Mining Engineering programme was Mrs. Victoria Bleppony (formerly Miss Victoria Addison), now working with AMS, Damang, Aboso Mine. Her admission marked the beginning of increased female participation in the school. Today, there are at least 20 female students, who are performing on par with their male counterparts in the mining industry.
When plans were made to celebrate the 50th anniversary of KNUST, Kumasi—which also marked the 25th anniversary of the KNUST School of Mines—the idea to form an Alumni Association was proposed. The first modest meeting was held in an office, where the following interim officers were elected:
- Mr. Mensah A. A. – Interim Chairman
- Mr. E. Mabee – Interim Secretary
- Mr. R. S. Nartey – Interim Organizing Secretary
- Mr. E. M. Buaba – Member
Following the departure of Mr. Mabee at the end of his National Service, Mr. Buaba assumed the role of Interim Secretary.
Since the officers were based at the school, efforts were made to notify alumni in the mining and allied industries about the Association to ensure that their presence would be acknowledged in the history of the school’s Silver Jubilee celebration.
During preparations, Mr. Ndede of GAG (AGC Conglomerate) approached the Principal to discuss Alumni involvement. As a result, he was invited to give a short address at the event, providing formal recognition to the Alumni Association’s role in the celebration.
This recognition set the stage for the first informal national meeting of alumni. At this meeting, it was agreed that the interim officers would continue as National Officers to manage daily affairs and implement the vision of the Association.
Additionally, representatives were elected to coordinate regional affairs, and patrons and advisors were nominated from among past Principals and distinguished alumni to provide guidance as needed.
These efforts culminated in the official inauguration of the Alumni Association, reflecting a strong collective spirit and ambition. A key legacy project is the:
Sod-Cutting for the Junior Common Room (JCR)
Estimated cost: ¢700,000,000.00
This project signifies the Alumni’s commitment to leaving a lasting mark on the infrastructure of their beloved alma mater.