The Otumfuo Foundation in partnership with Newmont Gold and Coral Reef Innovation hub has commissioned an Artificial Intelligent (AI) Laboratory for the Kona D/A primary and Junior High Schools.
The facility will benefit other schools in the surrounding communities in the Sekyere South District of the Ashanti region.
The Smart Lab is expected to serve as the springboard for the youth to dive into the ever-changing world of technology, innovation and endless possibilities, as well as serve as incubators of ideas, a workshop of tomorrow’s inventors and a classroom of future leaders.
Nana Afua Konadu Prempeh, Executive Director of Otumfuo Foundation explained at commissioning that the Asantehene’s vision for the foundation is to help improve health care and education of children of all school going age to compete globally towards the total freedom and liberation of his people and beyond.
She stated that the world has gone digital and all activities therein have turned digital hence the need to train the children who are the future leaders of the world without fail in order not to be left behind.
Nana Afua Konadu Prempeh noted that the establishment of the Artificial Intelligent (AI) centre would enhance learning and urged parents to guide and motivate their wards to engage in digital learning under monitoring.
She disclosed that Newmont Gold has collaborated and supported Otumfuo’s vision by establishing about twenty-five AI Centres for the youth to enhance his vision of development and growth not only in the Kumasi Metropolis but also the small communities in the Ashanti region to mark his 25th Anniversary of enstoolment on the Golden Stool.
Mr. Richard Osei Anim, Director of Coral Reef Innovation Hub, stated that their aim is to give the students technologies to compete globally in the area of health and education and become relevant in Ghana and Africa.
He disclosed that, they have created a catalyst fund and train students for the repairing of the computers when development for their maintenance, and urged the managers of the school to take good care of the facility and to ensure its sustainability by making the fund sustainable to ensure that, the project e going through regular maintenance.
Mr. David Johnson, Director of Communication and External Relations of Newmont Gold Ghana disclosed that the gesture is another important moment in the journey towards improved access to education, particularly ICT-led learning, and knowledge sharing.
He said it is momentous because the unique partnership between Newmont and the Otumfuo Foundation, which is designed to support ICT-led learning and knowledge sharing, continues to bear great fruits.
He noted that the inauguration was the second Smart Laboratory funded by Newmont through the industry of Otumfuo Foundation, which is another opportunity to celebrate the power of innovation, collaboration, and the commitment to empower our under-resourced communities with the tools for self-determination.
He said through the power of collaboration between Newmont and the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation, they have taken a giant leap forward in bridging the digital divide and ensuring that more children in the less resourced communities such as Kona and Wioso are given the requisite support to be competitive in our world today.
Nana Agyemang Badu Duah, Kunsuhene who represented Nana Boachie-Adjei Woahene II, Otumfuo Hiahene, the Board Chairman of Otumfuo Foundation, noted that the facility would enhance learning of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and urged the School management, students and teachers and all stakeholders to take good care of it to serve the intended purpose to benefit the generation unborn.
