A wave of hope and transformation swept through Bleamezado, a community in the Anloga Municipality of the Volta Region, as StarOil Ghana Limited commissioned an ultra-modern Artificial Intelligence (AI) Smart Lab—the first of its kind in the Volta and Oti Regions.
The facility, built in collaboration with Coral Reef Innovation Africa, is designed to equip students and young people with digital and AI skills, opening new opportunities for learning, creativity, and innovation in one of the region’s most deprived areas.
The commissioning event brought together key national and regional figures, including the Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, the Volta Regional Director of Education, Mr. Francis Agbemadi, and the Chairman of StarOil, Torgbui Xornametor I (known in private life as Mr. Vincent Kwamitse Kaledzi), alongside the CEO of StarOil, Mr. Philip Kwame Tieku, and Mr. Richard Osei-Anim, Managing Partner of Coral Reef Innovation Africa.
Commissioning the project, Torgbui Xornametor I urged young people to take advantage of the opportunities technology offers, especially in the field of artificial intelligence, to improve their lives and avoid engaging in social vices such as drug abuse and crime.
“Our young people must see technology as a tool for change, not distraction. The world is evolving fast, and artificial intelligence is shaping the future of work. This facility is to help them acquire the right knowledge and direction,” Torgbui Xornametor I said.
He explained that the AI Lab was built in memory of his late brother, Dr. Leonard Yao Kaledzi, who founded the community’s first basic school. The project, he noted, continues his brother’s legacy of promoting education and empowering young people to achieve their full potential.
Torgbui Xornametor I added that StarOil is working on similar projects nationwide, focusing on education, healthcare, potable water, and youth empowerment as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy.
“We are committed to giving back to society. This is just the beginning. StarOil will continue to invest in people, especially the youth, because real progress begins with empowered citizens,” the Chairman emphasized.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of StarOil, Philip Kwame Tieku, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to advancing education and technology through sustainable partnerships.
“The youth are the future leaders, and they must be well equipped with the skills and knowledge to shape that future,” Mr. Tieku said.
He explained that the pace of change in artificial intelligence is revolutionary, and Ghana’s educational system must adapt to these changes to remain competitive in the global space.
“Artificial Intelligence will revolutionize STEM education in the coming years. We believe Ghana’s education system must catch up with this global shift. Through initiatives like this, we are helping bridge that gap,” he added.
Mr. Tieku revealed that Bleamezado is one of several communities where StarOil plans to establish AI Smart Labs, noting that the company intends to expand the initiative to all districts across Ghana.
“StarOil operates over 250 fuel stations nationwide, but our greatest investment is in people. We are starting here in Bleamezado, and soon, every district will have similar facilities to expose students to technology and innovation,” the CEO said.
Government Commits to New SHS for the Shime Area
The Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, who graced the event, announced that within 24 months, a new Community Senior High School (SHS) will be constructed and commissioned in the Shime area of the Anloga District.
He said the initiative is part of the government’s plan to ensure equitable access to education, especially for students in remote and underserved areas.
“The people of Shime deserve their own senior high school. The government is committed to making this a reality, and within 24 months, this community will have its own functioning SHS,” the Minister assured.
He commended StarOil and its partners for complementing government efforts through innovation and investment in human capital.
“In this fast-changing technological world, we must appreciate those who make deliberate efforts to support learning and the acquisition of high-demand skills, particularly in Artificial Intelligence,” Mr. Iddrisu noted.
Coral Reef Innovation Africa: Making AI Accessible for All
The Managing Partner of Coral Reef Innovation Africa, Mr. Richard Osei-Anim, highlighted his organization’s role in promoting AI education across Africa.
“Coral Reef Innovation Africa is a Pan-African organization committed to making Artificial Intelligence accessible to every community. We work with companies like StarOil to equip young people with practical AI skills for the modern world,” Mr. Osei-Anim explained.
He encouraged students in Bleamezado and neighboring areas to take full advantage of the facility to learn, innovate, and become experts in emerging technologies.
“This is your time. Learn, explore, and use this opportunity to gain skills that will make you leaders in the AI-driven future,” he added.
Education Officials Laud StarOil’s Initiative
The Volta Regional Director of Education, Mr. Francis Agbemadi, commended StarOil and Coral Reef Innovation Africa for their foresight and commitment to advancing education.
“This project is timely and commendable. It will enhance digital literacy and help our students develop the skills they need to succeed in the future. I urge them to study hard and make full use of this opportunity,” Mr. Agbemadi said.
A New Dawn for Bleamezado and Beyond
For the people of Bleamezado, one of the most deprived communities in the Volta Region, the establishment of the AI Smart Lab and the government’s pledge to build a Community SHS mark a turning point.
What was once a quiet rural settlement is now a symbol of educational transformation and technological inclusion. Through partnerships between government, private sector, and innovators like StarOil and Coral Reef Innovation Africa, the future for students in the Anloga area looks brighter than ever.
As the ceremony concluded, community members expressed gratitude for the project, with one common message echoing through the crowd: “Education and technology are the future — and that future has begun here in Bleamezado.”
Source:Ivy Setordjie