Tarkwa (W/R), Oct. 22, GNA - Mrs Ruth Menz, the first female student to undertake a Masters Programme in Mining Engineering at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, has been awarded a =A231.1 million scholarship package.

Mrs Vicki Bradford, the donor, presented a cheque for the amount to the beneficiary at a ceremony at UMaT, Tarkwa, on Friday. Mrs Bradford, wife of Mr Peter Bradford, Chief Executive Officer of Golden Star Resources said she had advocated further education for both young and old and the request by the University offered her the opportunity to sponsor at least one student.

She said the University made a request through the Ghana Chamber of Mines and in consultation with her husband she responded to the request. Prof Daniel Mireku-Gyimah, Vice Chancellor, UMaT, described the presentation as significant, saying "it was the first time a female student was taking part in the Masters Programme in Mining Engineering and was being sponsored by a female Geologist". Prof Mireku-Gyimah, who was happy to share the pride of Ruth, commented: "If an individual is doing this then what about the Mining Companies?"

He appealed to the mining companies to build a female hostel to improve the required standard of enrolment of female students. Prof Mireku-Gyimah advised Ruth to be very serious in her studies in order not to abuse the opportunity offered her. Ruth who obtained second-class upper in her first degree expressed her sincere gratitude to Mr and Mrs Bradford and the Ghana Chamber of Mines.

She advised female students to venture into male dominated fields and discard the perception that it was difficult and therefore should be left for men. Ruth is the only female in a class of 30 students undertaking the programme.