Three Junior High Schools in Ashanti Region emerged tops in the maiden edition of Our Lady of Grace Robotic Completion regional contest.

They are Prempeh Experimental ‘B’ and ‘C’, Frobel Educational Centre and Family First International. Each took the first prizes in the various categories to beat ten other competitors.

Prempeh Experimental ‘B’ proved exceptional in the line follower challenge. It involves an autonomous robot that could move in a complex maze within three minutes.

Frobel Educational Centre conquered robots from other schools with its Sumo. This is a wrestling robot with sensor management, defence mechanisms and electronics.

Prempeh Experimental ‘C’, showed they could develop innovation robots to solve problems for which they won the freestyle category.

Family First International, on its part, proved perfect in the robotics Quiz.

The competition is under the theme,” Inspiring young minds and developing creative thinkers for the 21^st century.”

Training partners, Asustem Robotics took pupils through a 3-week pre-contest introductory course.

Director of projects of Asustem Robotics Academy, David Asumadu-Boateng says the 21st century demands a practical approach to solving critical problems, adding robotics knowledge is crucial in realizing such vision.

“As the world grows increasing with a myriad of global challenges on the horizon, there is an even greater need for younger students equipped with knowledge and skills to tackle tough challenges,” he said.

The headmaster of Our Lady of Grace Senior High school, Stephen Anokye, believes Ghana’s education system will benefit greatly with focus on practical learning.

“We think is time to make students more ingenious, more practical so that we can solve the problems in our communities and the country as a whole,” he stressed.

Participants were excited the programme has helped in shaping their reasoning prowess.

“It has helped me used my brains, so it has made me fast and smart,” said Emmanuel Owusu of Family First International School.

“Science and ICT are making the world a better place, and I’m highly encouraged to participate,” said Forbel’s Michaella Ama Konadu.

Image: Winners from Frobel Educational Centre

Winners received medals, certificates and trophies.