Anglogold Ashanti, Obuasi Mine, has inau­gurated a state-of-the-art Robotics Centre at Obuasi Senior High Technical School to equip stu­dents with cutting-edge knowledge in Artificial Intelligence(AI)—par­ticularly robotics.

Robotics, a dynamic branch of engineering and computer science, involves the conception, design, manufacture, and operation of robots.

The center is designed to serve as a vibrant hub for technologi­cal exploration, offering students hands-on access to modern tools and resources to thrive in a digi­tal-driven world.

At the inaugural ceremony on Saturday, the Managing Director of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, Sam Pobee, described the initiative as a powerful stride toward a re­newed vision for Obuasi—a vision where the brilliance of the town’s legacy is matched and surpassed by its technological future.

“This centre is more than a building. It is a beacon of hope, a launchpad for imagination, and a gift to the future of Obuasi,” Pobee stated. “Our generation dug gold with our hands; yours will shape gold with your minds. Be bold. Be ready.”

With an investment exceeding GH¢8.4 million, the Robotics Centre marks a milestone under AngloGold Ashanti’s 10-year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP), which emphasises sustainable growth through human capital development. The facility includes: A robotics laboratory, general-purpose laboratory an Arduino lab—an open space dedicated to learning the language of modern electronics and an exhi­bition hall for showcasing student innovations.

This is the first fully-equipped robotics facility of its kind in the Obuasi Municipality. It is expect­ed to catalyse the formation of robotics clubs in schools, foster inter-school competitions, and nurture teams of young engineers, coders, inventors, and problem solvers.

“We believe the true wealth of a mine is not just the gold beneath the ground but the potential of the people above it,” Pobee empha­sised, adding “Through our SEDP, we are investing not only in ore but in opportunity—not just in profits, but in people.”

The company is also commit­ted to integrating technology into newly built schools, reinforcing its broader education transformation agenda.

Given that the majority of employment opportunities at the Obuasi Mine are STEM-related, AngloGold Ashanti envisions preparing students from classroom to university for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math­ematics.

The commissioning aligns with AngloGold Ashanti’s “Make Obua­si Great Again” vision, grounded in four pillars: safety, production, people, and sustainability. At the heart of this vision lies a skilled, forward-looking Obuasi—a com­munity not trailing progress, but leading it.

“This is what responsible mining looks like,” Pobee said. “Mining that uplifts, transforms lives, and creates legacies—not only for to­day, but for generations to come.”

He called on educators, ad­ministrators, and stakeholders to embrace the centre as an extension of the classroom—a spark for les­sons and a pillar for nurturing the aspirations of future leaders.

Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Dr William Amankra Appiah, echoed the sentiment: “This project aligns perfectly with the Ministry of Education’s commitment to deepening STEM education. It will empower our students to compete at any level—nationally and globally.”

The Obuasi Municipal Chief Ex­ecutive, Faustilove Appiah Kannin, hailed the centre as a game-chang­er. “Obuasi Senior High Technical School has been long recognised for their achievements in STEM, but this facility elevates the capac­ity to teach, innovate, and lead,” She said. “It will generate immense interest in robotics and engineer­ing-related programs.”

And commended the mining company for their continuous sup­port for development of Obuasi.

 FROM KINGSLEY E.HOPE, KUMASI