TIG Post

Tag: University of Energy and Natural Resources

  • Robbery attack claims life of student at UENR

    The administration of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani has confirmed the tragic death of a student during a robbery targeting a group of students returning from a field trip.

    The incident occurred in the vicinity of Boffourkrom within the Sunyani West Municipality of the Bono Region.

    According to a statement issued by the Deputy Registrar, Alfred Appiah, the University Management expressed deep regret over the incident, which took place on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 7 p.m.

    Armed robbers attacked approximately 300 and 400 BSc Renewable Energy Engineering students as they returned from a field trip to the Bui Power Authority.

    The statement sadly revealed that one student lost his life during the ordeal, and the university has extended its condolences to the bereaved family.

    “The University Management wishes to inform the general public and parents that an unfortunate incident happened yesterday, Tuesday, 16th April 2024 at 7 p.m. as a group of armed robbers attacked some 300 and 400 BSc Renewal Energy Engineering students during their return from a field trip to the Bui Power Authority.”

    “Tragically, one student lost his life as a result of the incident. The family of the deceased has been notified, our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”

    The remaining students received medical treatment, were discharged, and are presently undergoing necessary counseling sessions.

    Furthermore, the statement urged residents in the vicinity of the incident to promptly report any suspicious activities to the police. However, the Sunyani Police command has already arrested one suspect in connection with the robbery.

  • Government tightens penalties for illegal mining offenders

    Government tightens penalties for illegal mining offenders

    The government has tightened the penalties for anyone convicted of illicit mining activities, according to Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor.

    According to him, the ‘Operation Halt II’ also continues to support the enforcement measures, and said all prosecutions pertaining to illegal mining activities were undertaken by the Office of the Attorney-General.

    The Lands Minister said about 119 cases involving 727 accused persons were pending before the Courts for various offences relating to illegal mining in the Eastern, Western and Ashanti Regions.

    He added that the figure excluded 187 people convicted and sentenced to various terms of imprisonment in the Eastern Region last year.

    Mr Jinapor made the announcement at the opening of a two-day transformational dialogue on artisanal and small-scale mining under the theme, ‘Sustaining Environmental Security and Human Right in Small Scale Mining Operations in Ghana,’ at Fiapre in the Sunyani West Municipality.

    The programme, initiated by the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) aimed at bringing together various stakeholders to deliberate on the issue and jointly make efforts towards a common direction.

    It was attended by politicians, traditional leaders, students, members, and staff of the UENR, artisans and small-scale miners, civil society actors, representatives of large-scale mining companies and the media.

    Mr Jinapor observed small-scale mining impacts a number of human rights, including the right to life, health, safe environment, water, property and development which needed to be addressed as a matter of high public interest.  

    He said Ghana was blessed with abundant mineral resources, which if managed properly could provide a strong base for the livelihoods of the people.

    But improper management of the mineral resources through illegal mining was plaguing the country now, hence most environmentalists had been advocating that mining was just a destruction and must be stopped completely, Mr Jinapor stated.

    He said mining must be done sustainably and responsibly to protect the natural environment and the rights of persons being affected by it, because that industry continues to be the bulwark of the national economy.

    Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako, the Vice-Chancellor of the UENR said the institution initiated the dialogue as a way of contributing to promote responsible mining to ensure industrial and associated environmental best practices for the country’s sustainable development.