The Department of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) has received a significant boost to student safety and academic activities following a generous donation from a pioneer alumnus, Mr Abdul Hakeem Mahama.
The donation, made on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the App Lab, included 200 pairs of industrial safety boots valued at GH50,000 to support students participating in field trips, practical sessions, and other activities requiring appropriate safety equipment.
Mr. Mahama, a member of the pioneer 2014 BSc Petroleum Engineering cohort and currently the Western Regional Director of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), also donated GH10,000 to the Petroleum Engineering Association (PEA) to support its activities, including the orientation and integration of fresh students.
Receiving the donation, the Head of the Department of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering,
Dr .Yaw Acheampong Boakye-Ansah, commended Mr. Kendrick Abdul Hakeem Mahama and other alumni for their continued support towards the Department’s development. He noted that despite pursuing a career outside the petroleum engineering field, Mr Mahama had maintained close ties with the Department and remained committed to supporting its growth and student development.
Dr. Boakye-Ansah disclosed that the 200 pairs of safety boots are sufficient to equip students to participate in any practical programmes offered by the Department. He further expressed that the continued support from alumni indicates that graduates recognised the value of the education and opportunities they received from the University and are willing to contribute to enhancing the learning environment for current students.
He encouraged students to recognise the opportunities available to them and appreciate the role of personal effort in determining their future success. Dr. Boakye-Ansah urged students to listen to the advice, study hard, and commit to rigorous academic work throughout their university education.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Abdul Hakeem Mahama reflected on his university experience and cautioned students against allowing campus politics and other activities to undermine their academic work. He explained that his extensive involvement in political activities while studying delayed his graduation from 2018 to 2019. He recalled advice from faculty members, including Mr. Sak, Dr. Bachan, and Mr. Chiao, who had consistently reminded him of the importance of securing strong academic qualifications.
Mr. Mahama said his subsequent professional experience reinforced the importance of those lessons. After graduation, he worked as a Personal Assistant to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and later pursued further studies. He is currently undertaking two master’s degree programmes, one at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) and another at a Malaysian university. He therefore urged students who are actively involved in politics to maintain a proper balance between their extracurricular activities and academic responsibilities, stressing that a university degree provides an essential foundation for future career opportunities.
Mr. Mahama further pledged to provide additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including helmets and reflective vests, during his subsequent visit. Beyond the safety equipment, Mr. Mahama pledged to sponsor the full cost of the Department’s upcoming student field trip. He again indicated his readiness to support future departmental career fairs.
He further indicated plans to support the Department’s scholarship scheme and establish an annual contribution towards key student needs, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and freshers’ orientation programmes. He also expressed his willingness to support students through career guidance, mentorship, and other relevant initiatives.
Present during the short donation ceremony were the Global Alumni Chairperson, Ms. Janat Issifu, Dr. Emmanuel K. Yeboah, Mr. Marino Dodoo, and Mr. Asare Michael Frimpong.
