The MTN Ghana Foundation, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, has commissioned an ICT and Robotics Centre at the New Asafo M/A Basic School in the Asokwa Municipality of the Ashanti Region.

In a major boost to education, the modern facility valued at GH¢946,189.71 will advance STEM education and digital literacy among pupils.

The center is designed to create a hands-on learning environment where students can explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education through practical experimentation and digital resources.

The facility, which was converted from an old and poorly equipped Information and Communication Technology (ICT) block, has been furnished with 35 all-in-one computer workstations, refurbished desks and chairs, as well as robotics training equipment and kits and other modern learning resources.

The intervention is expected to significantly enhance the teaching and learning of STEM-related subjects, while also extending benefits to other basic schools in the Kumasi Metropolis.

The General Manager for the Northern Sector of MTN Ghana, Nii Adotey Mingle, stated that the project demonstrates the Foundation’s dedication to promoting education and digital inclusion across Ghana.

He said the initiative was conceived after the then MTN Ghana Chief Executive Officer visited the school in 2022 during the company’s Y’ello Care staff volunteer programme. At the time, school authorities revealed that although an ICT centre was constructed in 2017, it had never been furnished 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 stated.

He added that the centre would equip pupils with coding, robotics and digital literacy skills, while promoting creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving abilities essential 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 urged teachers to integrate the facility into daily instruction to maximise its impact, stressing that technology becomes transformational when used by committed educators.

He also charged the pupils to see the robotics centre as a pathway to careers in engineering, science and technology, and to leverage innovation to solve challenges in their communities.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Robert Kuzoe, Senior Manager of the MTN Ghana Foundation, revealed that the Foundation focuses on three key areas: health, education, and economic empowerment. He noted that the ICT and Robotics Centre initiative falls under the education pillar.

According to him, the project forms part of the Foundation’s commitment to bridging the digital divide by ensuring that children in rural and underserved communities have the same educational opportunities as their peers in urban centers.

“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 further noted that the initiative has already benefited about four basic and senior high schools across the country. He assured that more schools are set to benefit as the Foundation continues to roll out the program nationwide.

The headteacher of New Asafo M/A Basic School, Gabriel Antwi, expressed profound gratitude to the MTN Ghana Foundation for the intervention, describing the ICT and robotics centre as a major boost to teaching and learning.

He assured the Foundation that the facility would be put to judicious use and properly maintained, noting that it would help bridge the gap between classroom learning and the modern digital world.

“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.”

The occasion was graced by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Asokwa, Amoh Kamel; the Chief of Asokwa in the Kumasi Traditional Area, Nana Fe-Bamoah II; and other stakeholders.