An eight million Euro state-of-the-art Environmental Monitoring Laboratory for the University of Mines and Technology, UMaT at Tarkwa has been inaugurated by the Danish Ambassador to Ghana, Tove Degnbol.

It is to facilitate access to tests of water quality, soil conditions, air pollution and general health conditions by supporting the education of environmental engineers.

The Environmental Monitoring Laboratory is a DANIDA funded Mixed-Tied Credit Facility.

It has been set up with the aim of helping to change the face of research in the University and by extension for the benefit of players in the extractive industry in particular and also contribute greatly to Science, Technology and Innovation in general.

The laboratory has seven units namely for Analytical Chemistry, Air Quality, Water Quality and Waste Water Laboratories. The rest are Geo-Technical, Petrological, Geophysical and mobile laboratory units as well.

The Vice Chancellor of UMaT, Professor Jerry Kumah said the acquisition of the laboratory which is the first of its kind by a university in Africa will besides offering the opportunity for the institution to undertake critical activities it will also serve the country particularly in an era where it is grappling with various kinds of pollution.

He said UMaT will continue to support the fight against environmental degradation through active research and dissemination of knowledge to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.

The Danish Ambassador to Ghana, Tove Degnbol assured the University of the commitment of the Danish government to deepen cooperation with Ghana to deliver tangible benefits for her people.

A Director at the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Alexander Leaning, called for sharing of research materials between the university and the Ministry for it’s agencies such the EPA and CSIR for effective and efficient decision-making.