The Ghana Institute of Planners (GIP), paid working visit to the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, on Tuesday 30th May 2023. The team was led by president of the Institute (Pln. Mohammed A. Damba) and comprised Pln. Dr, Audrey S. Amoah, Pln. Kenneth Yaoh Ketor (Secretary), Mr. Maxwell Bentil (Administrator) and Mr. Muhammed Buhari (Finance Officer). The purpose of the visit was to discuss the Institute’s review findings and recommendations on the proposed BSc. Spatial Planning programme currently being processed by the University for accreditation with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
The Institute, through its Education and Research Committee has been working on this document since June 2022 when the University submitted the programme document for review as part of the requirements of GTEC. This engagement centered around the programme aims and objectives, requirements for admission, progression and graduation of students as well as target market and employability of the programme. The team also shared its findings and recommendations on the course description, assessment of students, staffing and opportunities for further consultation and collaboration ffor licensing of graduation upon completion of the programme.
The delegation also met the Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University, Prof. Richard K. Amankwah, Pro Vice Chancellor, Prof. Anthony Simons and Head of Geometric Engineering Department, Prof. Saviour Amartey among other staff members of the university. The team also had a separate meeting with Chairman of the Council of the University, Pln. Dr. Stephen Yirenkyi. The VC and his team expressed confidence in the Institute’s ability to help shape the programme and make it unique for purposes of national development
When ultimately accredited by GTEC, the Bsc. Spatial Planning programme will be expected to produce graduates with unique skills, knowledge and competencies in ICT based spatial planning as it relates to natural resource planning and management.
The Institute had earlier this year on March 13, 2023, carried out a similar assignment to review the BSc. Geography and Regional Planning programme at the University of Cape Coast. A total of eight planning programmes from five universities across the country were reviewed between 2022 and 2023.
Tarkwa, May 30, 2022
