Ghana’s Robotics Revolution: Embracing the Future of AI and Education
In a recent interview at Vision1 FM Studio, which aired on their popular sports segment as that’s where most of the youth listen, experts discussed the future of robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Ghana, highlighting the country’s potential to harness these technologies for economic growth and development.
Defining Robotics and AI
According to Dauda Mustafa, a Ghanaian hardware developer and robotics engineer, robotics involves applying AI to machines that perform human-like tasks, increasing efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness. This technology has far-reaching applications across various sectors.
The Role of Robotics in Education
Dr. Moses Edujema, director of St. Peter’s Mission Schools, stresses that robotics education is essential for children, building teamwork, creativity, computational thinking, and a lifelong curiosity for STEM. “Children are born curious,” he says. “Robotics education makes learning exciting and meaningful.”
Ghana’s Current Position
Ghana currently lags behind in robotics implementation, with Dauda Mustafa rating the country’s robotics education a mere 1 out of 10. Experts agree that introducing robotics from basic school is vital for real progress.
Ongoing Efforts
St. Peter’s Mission Schools has developed a comprehensive nursery-to-SHS robotics curriculum, submitted to the National School Inspectorate Authority (NASIA) and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA). This initiative aims to make robotics education accessible and affordable for all schools.
Benefits Across Sectors
Robotics has enormous advantages across various sectors, including:
- Healthcare: robotic surgery and patient care
- Agriculture: reducing manual labor and increasing efficiency
- Education: robots as instructors and learning tools
- Hospitality: robots serving in hotels and restaurants
- Manufacturing: streamlining production processes
A Call to Action
Experts warn that Ghana must invest in robotics education today to safeguard its place in tomorrow’s economy. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is already underway, and nations that don’t prepare will be left behind. “Let us not wait,” says Dr. Edujema. “Let us act now, for our children and our future.”
