Prempeh College leads Ghana to World Robot Olympiad
Prempeh College emerged victorious at the 2023 edition of the National Robotics Competition held in Accra.
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They placed first after securing the highest score earning the school the honour of representing the country in the upcoming World Robot Olympiad (WRO) in November in Panama.
The school would be representing the country along with five other teams from different categories, who are yet to be announced by the Ghana Robotics Academy Foundation (GRAF) to collectively demonstrate the innovative spirit and technical prowess of the country on the international stage.
RiSE
This year's edition of the National Robotics Competition was organised by the GRAF and Heritage Christian College (HCC) under the Robotics Inspired Science Education (RiSE).
The competition brought together participating teams from various senior high schools (SHSs) and robotics clubs across the country.
The event showcased the immense talents and ingenuity of young minds who eagerly embraced the challenges posed by robotics and its applications in science and technology.
Some of the schools that competed were the Our Lady of Grace Senior High School, Apam SHS, Achimota School, Starters Technology, Adenta Science Club and MIKROBOT Academy, along with 15 other teams from various robotics clubs.
Practical skills
The Country Director of RiSE, Dr Yaw Okraku-Yirenkyi, said GRAF set up RiSE in 2011 to create problem-solvers and for children to be able to apply what they learned in school and to inspire and empower the next generation of Ghanaians in robotics.
He said although most children learned a lot in school about science, technology and innovation, they could not readily apply what they learned to practical skills.
"Our children do all of these interesting things in mathematics and science and it's mostly theoretical, but if you ask them to apply what they have learnt into the real world, they cannot make any connection to that," he said.
Dr Okraku-Yirenkyi admonished parents that while they engaged their children in the importance of science technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, they should also be particular about teaching soft skills such as patience, being focused and having positive attitudes.
"This is because that infused with the STEM education is what will make one successful," he noted.
Dr Okraku-Yirenkyi, who is also the Director of Studies at the Kofi Annan ICT Centre, praised the participating teams for their exemplary dedication.
"Witnessing the students' enthusiasm and innovative ideas reinforces our belief in the power of robotics education to shape a better future for our country," he stated.
Talent
The Head of Department for Business and Innovation at HCC, Alexander Ekow Asmah, said robotics was essential in everyday life, especially in a time when the world was technologically driven.
He noted that while the world was now being driven by technology, especially with new inventions like artificial intelligence (AI) it was important for parents and guardians to properly check and control their children and wards against its negative usage.
“AI is here and it has come to stay, we cannot change that.
Nobody can.
Despite its negative impact, I believe that if you put proper strategies in place, you would be able to manage the negatives without causing harm,” he said.
The Provost of Heritage Christian College, Prof. Williams Atuilik, expressed delight in the remarkable display of talent and passion showcased during the competition.
