MTN Ghana Foundation has commissioned a cutting-edge robotics center at Methodist Girls Senior High School (MEGHIS) in Akuapem Mamfe in Eastern Region.
The project aims to elevate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education for the future of Ghana’s digital economy
According to the African Development Bank, Africa faces a daunting digital skills gap, projected to reach approximately 230 million individuals by 2030.
This alarming statistic underscores the risk of over half of Africa’s population being excluded from the burgeoning digital economy.
Economic forecasts by the World Bank highlight the substantial economic ramifications of this gap.
The digital economy has the potential to inject up to $180 billion into Africa’s GDP by 2025. However, realizing this potential hinges on ensuring that Africa’s workforce possesses the requisite digital competencies.
Failure to address this digital skills deficit could impede Africa’s economic growth trajectory and hinder its ability to compete in the global marketplace.
The Ghc2,280,489 ultra modern robotics center at Methodist Girls Senior High School , a school known for its academic exploits in robotics having clinched two world titles in robotics competition surpassing 5000 teams globally, seeks to bridge this digital divide particularly in STEM and ICT-related fields.
The Outgoing MTN Ghana CEO, Selorm Adadevoh said the newly commissioned robotics center is poised to serve as a dynamic learning hub where students can immerse themselves in hands-on experiences, exploration, and innovation. Equipped with state-of-the-art resources including LEGO, Rev Robots, and 3D Printer Masking tools, students will engage in building, inventing, coding, and AI research, thereby enhancing their advanced design skills and broadening their STEM horizons.
Professor Franklyn Manu, Board Chairman for MTN Ghana Foundation, reiterated the foundation’s commitment to narrowing the digital skills gap through impactful initiatives like the Robotics Centre and the Digital Skills Academy through 75% budget allocation for this objective.
Commending the partnership between the MTN Ghana Foundation and the Ministry of Education, Hon. John Ntim Fordjour, Deputy Minister for Education, lauded the investment in digital skills training initiatives, reiterating government’s commitment to enhancing STEM education and equipping students with 21st-century skills.
The Public Relations Officer for Methodist Girls SHS Robotics Clubs Maame Akua Nkrumah Arko lauded the new facility stating it will resolve challenges faced in their old robotics laboratory.
She appealed to government to grant students interested in robotics scholarship to enable them pursue higher education in relation to their interest to help built the digital future of Ghana.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Kojo Ansah
