When students from Kona District Assembly (D/A) Primary and Junior High School mounted the podium at the 2025 Ghana Robotics Competition (GRC), their victory told a bigger story of access, opportunity, and strategic investment in education.

With just three days of preparation and competing for the first time, three students from the community of Kona in the Sekyere South District of the Ashanti Region emerged as the ultimate winners of the Techs League category of the GRC. The team comprised Austin Okra, aged 13 and a JHS 3 student, Godfred Ofori, aged 14 and also a JHS 3 student, and Victoria Tabi Boakye, aged 10 and a Primary 5 pupil. Their remarkable achievement was made possible through an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Smart Laboratory established in the Kona community in May 2024 by Newmont and the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation.

The Techs League category of the competition is designed primarily for primary/basic level students.

A Win Built on Opportunity

The Kona team was coached by Adom Bismark, a teacher at Kona D/A, with technical support from Coral Reef Innovation Africa, the implementing partner for the AI Smart Labs programme. Their participation was fully supported by the headteacher, Jonathan Agbenyame, who described the outcome as unexpected but deeply encouraging.

“The team had very limited time to prepare. It was their first competition, but they exceeded all expectations,” Agbenyame said. “We are grateful to Newmont, the Otumfuo Foundation, and Coral Reef for this opportunity. Not many schools have access to this kind of support,” he added.

Austin Okra, who led the team, also received an individual award known as Controller Conqueror for his exceptional skill, confidence, and precision in robot control. Reflecting on the experience, Austin said, “We went for exposure, not to win. So winning the trophy made us happy.”

Victoria described the moment simply as “a good feeling”, while Godfred called it “exciting”.

More Than a Trophy

For Newmont, the achievement represents more than competition success. According to Danquah Addo-Yobo, Country Manager for Newmont’s operations in Ghana, the victory highlights what is possible when students, irrespective of location, are given the right tools early.

“This achievement goes beyond the trophy. It should remind these students and others like them that greatness is possible and their surroundings should never define or limit their potential,” he said.

Audrey Bertha Nartey, Country Head of Coral Reef Innovation Africa, described the outcome as clear evidence that strategic partnerships in education deliver measurable results.

“We are proud of this achievement, considering the time these children had to prepare for the competition. Everyone had three weeks, but they had only three days to prepare. This win also proves that such partnerships work,” she said, adding that a fourth lab under the programme has now been commissioned in Sankore in the Ahafo Region, with two more expected to be completed in 2026.

Newmont’s Commitment to Future-Ready Education

The Newmont-Otumfuo Foundation AI Smart Labs is a joint initiative between Newmont and the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation, aimed at expanding access to quality, technology-driven education in under-resourced communities.

In 2023, both institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish six AI Smart Labs as part of a broader education-focused collaboration, driven by technology. Under the MoU, Newmont committed One Million, Seven Hundred and Ten Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH₵1,710,000) to bridge the digital divide by equipping students and teachers in less endowed communities with modern tools and future-ready skills.

Each Smart Lab is equipped with laptop computers, tablets, robotics and electronic kits, projectors, smart charging units, broadband-enabled devices, and access to virtual libraries containing approximately 50,000 eBooks. Training in robotics, coding, digital literacy, and design thinking is delivered by Coral Reef Innovation Africa.

Delivering Measurable Impact

As of December 2025, four of the six planned AI Smart Labs had been commissioned and were operational in Wioso, Kona, Toase, and Sankore. Kona D/A’s first-place finish at the 2025 GRC, along with Wioso St Peter’s fifth-place achievement at the 2024 GRC, marks a significant milestone that underscores the effectiveness of Newmont’s investment in education and innovation. The four schools with commissioned labs are expected to participate in the 2026 GRC, demonstrating the programme’s ongoing impact.

Creating Opportunity, Creating Value

The success of the Kona D/A students at the Ghana Robotics Competition reflects Newmont’s broader commitment to creating shared value through strategic investments in education and human capital development across Ghana. By investing in education that equips young people with future-ready skills, Newmont is helping to shape a generation of innovators capable of competing and winning on national and global stages.

For Austin, Godfred, and Victoria, the journey has only just begun. For Newmont, it is another step forward in building sustainable impact through education, innovation, and partnership.

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana (AmCham), is delighted to welcome Appleman Enterprise, importer of fruits and vegetables in Ghana, as our newest member.

Appleman Enterprise, founded in 2010, has over 15 years of experience importing and distributing fresh, high‑quality fruits, vegetables, and groceries.  Guided by their motto “Always Refreshing Your Lifestyle,” the company partners with reputable growers worldwide to deliver produce that is fresh, nutritious, and sustainably sourced.  Appleman places a strong emphasis on quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.

As a member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana. Appleman Enterprise joins our community of forward‑thinking organizations committed to advancing trade, innovation, and healthy living in Ghana.  We look forward to collaborating with them to promote food security, support sustainable agriculture, and deepen U.S.–Ghana business ties.

Welcome aboard, Appleman Enterprise!

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana (AmCham), is delighted to welcome Abak Company Limited, importer of frozen meat in Ghana as our newest Gold Member.

Abak Company Limited is a leading importer of frozen poultry and beef products, helping to supply Ghana’s food industry with quality meats from global partners .  Through its commitment to reliable sourcing, Abak strengthens food security and broadens trade links in Ghana’s agricultural sector .

As a Gold Member of the American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, Abak Company Limited joins a dynamic network of businesses working to expand trade, investment, and sustainable economic growth between Ghana and the United States.  We look forward to partnering with them to enhance supply-chain resilience, promote ethical trade practices, and unlock new opportunities for Ghanaian enterprises.

Welcome aboard, Abak Company Limited!

The American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana is pleased to welcome IoTeedom Ltd as a Gold Member, strengthening our growing community of innovation-driven organizations shaping Ghana’s digital and sustainability future.

 

IoTeedom Ltd is a technology company dedicated to accelerating the transition from traditional urban environments to smart, resilient, and sustainable cities. With urban areas accounting for an estimated 75% of global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, IoTeedom focuses on addressing the urgent need for smarter energy use, efficient city operations, and data-driven urban planning.

 

At the core of IoTeedom’s work is a smart city data management software suite that integrates advanced technologies such as big data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, cybersecurity, advanced modelling, and autonomous systems. The platform enables cities, businesses, and planners to collect, analyze, and interpret urban data—while tracking resiliency indicators, including social impact, environmental performance, and quality of life, in real time.

 

Through actionable insights and continuous learning, IoTeedom supports informed decision-making that helps cities optimize operations, improve sustainability outcomes, and enhance the well-being of residents. The company also places strong emphasis on capacity building and training, empowering stakeholders to actively participate in solving socioeconomic and environmental challenges.

 

We are delighted to welcome IoTeedom Ltd to AmCham Ghana as a Gold Member and look forward to their contributions to our discussions on smart cities, digital innovation, sustainability, and technology-driven development.

 

Welcome to the AmCham Ghana community!