The drive to equip Ghanaian learners with 21st-century digital skills has received a major boost with the opening of the first-ever Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre of Excellence in the Volta and Oti Regions.

The state-of-the-art facility, located at Kaledzi Memorial Basic School in Bleamezado, Anloga Municipality, was inaugurated on October 6, 2025, by StarOil Limited. The event was graced by the Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, who served as the special guest of honour.

Valued at ₵1.5 million, the initiative forms part of StarOil Limited’s corporate social responsibility drive to promote digital inclusion, innovation, and quality education across Ghana.

In his remarks, Mr Philip Kwame Tieku, Chief Executive Officer of StarOil Limited, said the AI Centre goes beyond technology to focus on opportunity, empowerment, and the future of young people.

“At StarOil, we believe success is not only measured by business growth but by the positive change we create in our communities,” he said. “This Smart Lab will give over 500 learners, as well as parents and the youth, the opportunity to build digital skills, learn coding, and explore artificial intelligence. Beyond the classroom, it will serve as a community technology hub for innovation and growth.”

Mr Tieku expressed gratitude to the Minister of Education for his presence, noting that it reflects the government’s commitment to nurturing a digitally skilled generation. He also acknowledged the collaboration of teachers, community leaders, and Coral Reef Innovation Africa, describing their support as vital to the success of the project.

“Together, we are building a model of education and digital empowerment that can inspire other communities across the country,” he added.

The Member of Parliament for Anloga, Hon. Richard Kwame Sefe, also commended StarOil Limited and its Board Chairman, Torgbui Xornametor I (known in private life as Mr Vincent Kwamitse Kaledzi), for their continuous support toward education and development in the Anloga Municipality and the Volta and Oti Regions.

“This project demonstrates true corporate leadership — the kind that transforms communities and prepares our children to thrive in a digital world,” he said.

The AI Centre of Excellence is expected to serve as a training and innovation hub for students, teachers, and young entrepreneurs within the Shime area and beyond. It provides hands-on access to digital tools, coding programs, and AI-based learning modules designed to inspire problem-solving and creativity.

The establishment of the centre aligns with the government’s broader agenda to promote STEM and ICT education, ensuring that every Ghanaian learner is equipped to participate in the global digital economy.

As the first of its kind in the Volta and Oti Regions, the StarOil AI Centre of Excellence stands as a landmark achievement — demonstrating how public-private partnerships can drive meaningful progress in education and technology.