The MTN Ghana Foundation has commissioned a state-of-the-art ICT and Robotics Centre at the New Asafo M/A Basic School in the Asokwa Municipality of the Ashanti Region as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The modern facility, valued at GH¢946,189.71, is expected to strengthen STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education and improve digital literacy among pupils.
Designed to provide a hands-on learning environment, the centre will enable students to explore coding, robotics and other STEM disciplines through practical experimentation and digital learning resources.
The facility was created by refurbishing an old and under-resourced Information and Communication Technology (ICT) block. It has been equipped with 35 all-in-one computer workstations, refurbished desks and chairs, robotics training equipment and kits, as well as other modern teaching and learning resources.
The intervention is expected to significantly enhance the teaching and learning of STEM-related subjects while also serving pupils from other basic schools within the Kumasi Metropolis.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the General Manager for MTN Ghana’s Northern Business District, Nii Adotey Mingle, said the project reflects the Foundation’s commitment to promoting quality education and digital inclusion across Ghana.
He explained that the initiative was inspired by a visit to the school by the then Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana during the company’s Y’ello Care staff volunteer programme in 2022. During the visit, school authorities revealed that although an ICT block had been constructed in 2017, it had never been equipped with computers or other essential teaching resources.
“Following an assessment by Seed Global Consult, the Foundation undertook a comprehensive refurbishment of the facility. This included roof repairs, repainting, improved security, electrical re-cabling and the installation of air-conditioning systems,” Mr Mingle said.
He added that the centre would equip pupils with coding, robotics and digital literacy skills while nurturing creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving abilities needed for the future workforce.
“The centre will not only benefit pupils of New Asafo M/A Basic School, but will also be accessible to learners from other basic schools within the Kumasi Metropolis for robotics and STEM training,” he noted.
Mr Mingle encouraged teachers to integrate the facility into their daily lessons to maximise its impact, stressing that technology becomes transformational when placed in the hands of dedicated educators.
He also urged pupils to see the robotics centre as a gateway to careers in science, engineering and technology, encouraging them to use innovation to solve problems in their communities.
Senior Manager of the MTN Ghana Foundation, Robert Kuzoe, said the Foundation’s interventions focus on three key areas: health, education and economic empowerment, with the ICT and Robotics Centre falling under its education pillar.
According to him, the project forms part of the Foundation’s efforts to bridge the digital divide by ensuring children in rural and underserved communities enjoy the same educational opportunities as their counterparts in urban areas.
“The world is moving into the age of AI, and as a technology-driven company, MTN has a responsibility to train and equip children with digital tools so that future generations are not left behind,” he said.
Mr Kuzoe disclosed that similar ICT and robotics centres have already been established in about four basic and senior high schools across the country, adding that more schools will benefit as the programme expands nationwide.
The Headteacher of New Asafo M/A Basic School, Gabriel Antwi, described the facility as a major milestone for the school and expressed appreciation to the MTN Ghana Foundation for the intervention.
He assured the Foundation that the centre would be properly maintained and fully utilised to improve teaching and learning.
“This laboratory changes everything for us. Students will no longer read about technology in textbooks; they will have first-hand experience of it. They will learn, research and obtain vital skills that will prepare them for the future. The facility will equip our young students with the tools they need to compete, innovate and succeed in the 21st century,” he said.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Municipal Chief Executive for Asokwa, Amoh Kamel; the Chief of Asokwa in the Kumasi Traditional Area, Nana Fe-Bamoah II; and other stakeholders.
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