Anglogold Ashanti, Obuasi Mines, is constructing a Robotics Centre at the Obuasi Senior High Technical School to serve as a hub for innovation and technological growth.
It will provide students with resources and opportunities to broaden their knowledge in artificial intelligence, particularly robotics.
Estimated at GH¢8.4 million including equipment, the centre is expected to be completed in April 30, 2024, by an Obuasi-based contractor, Decant Company.
Robotics is a branch of engineering and computer science that involves the conception, design, manufacture and operation of robots.
The centre is expected to empower students to thrive in the digital age, enhance the interest of science-oriented schools within the municipality and district to establish robotics clubs to foster diverse and innovative careers.
At the groundbreaking ceremony at the weekend, the Senior Manager, Sustainability of the mining company, Emmanuel Baidoo, mentioned that the development was part of their 10-year socio-economic development plan, which has an intermediate goal to empower host communities through improved quality education.
“The Robotics Centre represents AngloGold Ashanti’s dedication to fostering a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), among students of our host communities,” he said.
Mr Baidoo added that “by investing in education, we strive to nurture the talents of the future generation, equipping them with skills that will propel them towards successful careers and businesses and contribute to the overall development of communities in our operational areas.
“Therefore, with this initiative, we aim to empower students with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in our ever-changing world, while also contributing to the advancement of Obuasi as a whole,” he added.
He expressed the belief that with the centre, a lot of hidden talents would be harnessed and Obuasi would become a centre of excellence in robotics.
Mr Baidoo observed that Obuasi Senior High Technical School had already built a reputation in science, technology, and engineering over the past few years “and having the robotics centre in the school will further consolidate the gains it has made in the field of STEM education in the past few years”.
The ceremony at the Obuasi Senior High Technical School brought together representatives from the Municipal Assembly, Ghana Education Service, teachers, students and traditional leaders.
Headmaster of the Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Ernest Wiafe, said the school had already positioned in such a way that when complete the centre would generate much interest in the study of robotics and STEM-related courses, judging from successes the school had chalked in recent times.
He described the robotic centre as one of a kind which would come as a major boost for the school to enhance robotics teaching.
On his part, the Obuasi Municipal Education Director, George Alfred Koomson, said the project had come at a time when the Ministry of Education was committed to improving STEM education in the country.
Nana Kojo Obeng, Odikro of Koffekrom, lauded AngloGold Ashanti for the plethora of programmes it was embarking upon in their 10-year plan.
He was optimistic that the mining company could transform the economy and the people of Obuasi, if given the support.
FROM KINGSLEY E.HOPE, OBUASI ANGLOGOLD
