The MTN Ghana Foundation has strengthened Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in the Ashanti Region with the commissioning of a modern GH¢900,000 STEM Centre at the New Asafo M/A Basic School.
The state-of-the-art facility, which was converted from an old and poorly equipped Information and Communication Technology (ICT) block, has been fitted with about 35 desktop computers, robotics equipment and other modern learning resources aimed at preparing pupils for the digital future.
The intervention is expected to significantly improve the teaching and learning of STEM-related subjects while exposing pupils to practical technology and innovation at an early stage.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Senior Manager of the MTN Ghana Foundation, Robert Kuzo, said the project forms part of the Foundation’s commitment to narrowing the digital divide by ensuring that children in rural and underserved communities enjoy the same educational opportunities as students in urban centres.
He explained that MTN Ghana, as a technology and engineering-driven company, considers it a responsibility to invest in young people by providing facilities that nurture innovation, creativity and problem-solving skills.
“MTN Ghana believes that every child deserves access to quality digital education, regardless of where the child lives,” he stated.
According to him, the Foundation invested over GH¢900,000 in the project as part of its broader educational support programme across the country.
Mr. Kuzo noted that similar educational infrastructure projects have been undertaken in other schools, including Manfe Senior High School, to strengthen digital learning nationwide.
He therefore appealed to the management, teachers and pupils of New Asafo M/A Basic School to maintain the facility properly to enable future generations to continue benefiting from the investment.
The General Manager for MTN Ghana’s Northern Business District, Nii Adotey Mingle, described the project as another demonstration of the Foundation’s vision of creating opportunities and transforming lives through technology.
He explained that the transformation of the school’s ICT block represents more than the refurbishment of a classroom, stressing that it is a strategic investment aimed at producing future innovators, scientists, engineers and technology leaders.
According to him, MTN Ghana undertook the project after assessing the deplorable condition of the school’s former ICT laboratory, which lacked the facilities required for effective digital learning.
Following the assessment, the Foundation completely refurbished the structure and equipped it with modern computers, robotics tools and other STEM learning resources to create a conducive learning environment.
“This initiative demonstrates our unwavering commitment to expanding access to technology and supporting educational development within communities across Ghana,” he said.
The Headmaster of New Asafo M/A Basic School, Gabriel Antwi, described the commissioning as a landmark achievement in the history of the school.
He disclosed that although the school previously had an ICT laboratory, it lacked functional computers and adequate learning facilities, making the teaching of ICT extremely difficult.
According to him, the intervention by the MTN Ghana Foundation has transformed the obsolete computer laboratory into a fully equipped STEM Centre capable of providing pupils with practical digital and robotics education.
Mr. Antwi expressed profound appreciation to the Foundation for the support and assured that the school would institute effective maintenance measures to preserve the facility.
He further pledged that teachers and pupils would make maximum use of the centre to improve digital literacy, innovation and academic performance.
Education stakeholders who attended the ceremony commended MTN Ghana Foundation for investing in technology-driven education, describing the project as a major contribution towards developing the country’s future workforce.
The commissioning of the STEM Centre forms part of MTN Ghana Foundation’s continuing efforts to promote digital inclusion, improve educational outcomes and equip Ghanaian children with the technological skills required to compete in the rapidly evolving global digital economy.
