Telecel Ghana is investing in the technological and robotics skills acquisition of young people in the Ashanti Region as part of efforts to make the region a hub for innovative thinkers and solution-oriented engineers.
Through its Ashanti Codes programme, 25 students from basic schools in Obuasi and adjoining communities received a four-week training in coding and robotics.
The initiative is part of efforts by the telecommunications company to equip over 1,000 young people in the Ashanti Region with digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI) skills.
Telecel Ghana launched its annual Ashanti Month celebration this June, with a focus on digital and robotics skills training for the youth in the region.
The initiative seeks to equip young people at the pre-tertiary level with skills needed in today’s digital age to provide real-time solutions to societal challenges.
During an exhibition event in Obuasi, participants showcased robotic prototypes they developed after completing the intensive training programme.
Under the initiative, four communities in the Ashanti Region, including Kumasi, Wiamoase, Obuasi and Nsuta, are becoming centres for digital learning, innovation and creativity.
Executive Head of Telecel Ghana for the Ashanti and Bono regions, Kwaku Asiedu, indicated that the programme seeks to complement the government’s “One Million Coders” agenda.
“We know that the government has decided to roll out the One Million Coders programme. This is our widow’s mite to support the agenda. Now everything is about technology. If you want to advance in the way you do things, you need to be well-versed in technology,” he noted.
In collaboration with AngloGold Ashanti, over 100 students in Obuasi are expected to benefit from the programme before the end of the year.
Social Development and Gender Superintendent at AngloGold Ashanti, Mavis Nana Yaa Kyei, underscored the mining company’s commitment to partnerships aimed at sustainable socioeconomic development in the town.
“When there is partnership, there is an upscaling of activities. We can reach more youth if we collaborate with other organisations to invest in such initiatives. As a company, we have upheld STEM as one of our pillar programmes for development under our 10-year socioeconomic development plan,” she noted.
Participants expressed excitement about their potential in STEM education following weeks of intensive training, and said they look forward to applying their skills to solve societal challenges.
