Otumfuo Foundation, Partners Commission Third AI Smart Laboratory at Toase

The Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation (OOTIIF), in partnership with Newmont Africa and Coral Reef Africa, has commissioned a third smart AI laboratory at Toase in the Ashanti Region.

The project described as a bold, forward-looking investment, and the future of education in communities was commissioned on July 22, 2025.

The lab will serve not just students in Toase, but those in surrounding communities will have access to Artificial Intelligence, robotics, coding and digital literacy skills training.

Speaking at the event, the representative of the Foundation said the initiative reflects the vision of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, in championing education as a powerful tool for transformation and progress.

“We remain committed to promoting access to quality education, especially in underserved areas…Today’s event is more than the unveiling of a facility. It is a symbol of hope, opportunity and empowerment.”

Making Learners Frontrunners
The Director of Communications and External Relations for Newmont’s Business Unit in Africa, David Johnson, in his speech, indicated that the smart lab will put students in the rural areas ahead of their peers in urban areas.

That said, he cited how students from Wioso, where one of the labs has been established, placed fifth at the National Robotics Competition, which had representation from the whole country.

“This is no small feat and speaks volumes about what is possible when young people are given the tools and guidance to succeed. Our hope is that the Toase Smart Lab, which we are commissioning today, will serve as a platform for young people to explore the ever-evolving world of technology and innovation. These spaces will nurture the thinkers, investors and leaders of tomorrow. They are incubators of tomorrow’s possibility”

He noted that Newmont had committed Gh¢1.7 million to support the establishment of six smart labs over the next three years.

Equity
The representative of Coral Reef, which is leading implementation and managing the facilities to ensure sustainability and excellence, made a case for equity in educational transformation.

According to her, learners in rural communities must have the same exposure to future-facing technology as their peers in urban schools.

“With this lab, we are saying to our young people: you are not too far and you are not too small. You are being equipped today to solve tomorrow’s problems, whether it’s using AI to improve farming, healthcare, or even starting businesses, we haven’t yet imagined. These AI labs are not just about access to computers.

“They are about shaping mindsets, training teachers to guide learners in using AI creatively and responsibly. They are about sparking curiosity and preparing students for a world where the ability to ask smart questions of machines will be just as important as knowing the answers.”

AI Not A Threat to Jobs
In his speech, the Paramount Chief of Essumeja Traditional Council, and Board member of the Otumfuo Osei II Foundation, Nana Okyere Kusi Ntrama, dispelled concerns that AI threatened the livelihoods of many.

“All this is meat to shape the future of our children. This is an opportunity you must take advantage of. We don’t have to lament that AI is a threat to jobs. It will create jobs. Learners must inculcate AI into their studies.”

He therefore expressed a heartfelt appreciation to the partners and charged students to take advantage of the lab to build their future.

Meanwhile, he advocated for the adoption of a maintenance culture for longevity.

Gratitude
The Municipal Education Director for Atwima Nwabiagya Municipal, Nana Pokuaa Amoako, was immensely grateful as she hailed the Asantehene.

According to her, Toase stands as a testament to the King’s commitment to advancing education.

“On behalf of the management of Atwima Nwabiagya Municipal Education Directorate, our dedicated heads of schools, teachers and all the school children, I extend our heartfelt appreciation to His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene.

“The establishment of the OOTIIF has indeed been a blessing to us. Here in Atwima Nwabiagya Municipal, we’ve not only seen but experienced the impact of the foundation, and today’s event stands as a shining testament to that.”

Other Labs
Before this, two smart labs had been established in Kona and Wioso.

source: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/