A/R: Otumfuo Foundation, Newmont Launch AI Lab

The Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation in partnership with Newmont Ghana and Coral Reef Innovation Hub has launched AI Lab Centre at Wioso in Ahafo Ano South West district in the Ashanti Region.

The AI Lab Center is aiming at training pupils and students at various basic schools in the community through the learning of robotics and technological education to help them come out with robotic products to help promote agribusiness in the rural communities.

Speaking at the short ceremony in Wioso, Nana Prof Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Owoahene II, Otumfuo Hiahene, who is also the Board Chairman of the Foundation emphasized that His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II cherishes the importance of investing in the younger generation through education, which forms part of the project launch at Wioso.

He revealed that the AI Lab is intended to expose school children to new technologies and scientific advancements, aiming to stimulate their interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

According to him, the King in the past 25 years has been committed to enhancing the lives of people in various communities through provision of quality education, quality health, and promotion of programs in ICT, among others.

“This AI Lab for the people of Wioso is an evidence of the continued commitment of the King to ensure that the people in our rural communities are provided and get access to various opportunities that are easily accessible to our brothers and sisters in cities and big towns. Otumfuo Foundation on behalf of His Majesty is highly appreciative of the commitment of Newmont Ghana in collaborating with the Foundation over the years to help achieve objectives of the King’s social initiatives.”

He added, “The Foundation joins the people of Wioso to applaud Newmont Ghana in demonstrating a high level of social responsiveness by putting up this Smart Lab in honour of Otumfuo Osei Tutu as we celebrate his 25 years of unparalleled leadership as the King of Asante Kingdom.”

Hiahene further urged the school children to take advantage of the facility and strive to be at par with their colleagues in the cities. He encouraged the teachers to continue to do their best to nurture these young ones in a manner that they will not be left behind in the rapidly changing technological space.

The Communication Director and the External Relations of Newmont Ghana, Mr David Johnson said the organization considered the need to support Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation to empower young generation through the learning of technical and vocational programs to help promote quality education.

According to him, there is ample evidence to show that less privileged communities are often overlooked due to distance from the main city centres and critical infrastructre, which often overflowing with talent, creativity, and dreams that deserve every opportunity to flourish.

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 many more children in the less resourced communities are given the requisite support to be competitive in our world today.

“…Newmont’s partnership with Otumfuo’s Foundation continues to bear fruit following years of collaboration in delivering social interventions and offering hope to many. At Newmont, the construction and our role in shaping the minds and futures of our next generation is invaluable, and I urge you to embrace this opportunity with enthusiasm and optimism.”

He praised the Otumfuo Foundation for the vision and its belief in the transformative power of education and technology

“It has been an honour to partner with you over the years, and seeing how lives are being transformed through our shared vision and commitment. This is only the first of six of such educational interventions, and we look forward to working together to build geniuses from these communities,” he added.

The District Chief Executive for Ahafo Ano South West, Hon Joseph Frimpong Bonsu also expressed gratitude to the Foundation for the support and urged parents in the community to support their children to benefit from the centre.

Story by Johnson Owusu Aduomi