St. Louis Senior High School and Opoku Ware MA Junior High School have emerged winners of the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (RAIL) Phase II Robotics Cohort II Challenge, each receiving a cash prize of GH₵3,000 for their outstanding innovations.
The competition brought together three Junior High Schools (JHS) and four Senior High Schools (SHS), with students showcasing innovative, technology-driven solutions across agriculture, energy, health, and environmental management.
In the JHS category, Opoku Ware MA JHS took first place with “AsaaseTom Guard,” a smart robotic system designed to detect and monitor crop diseases in tomato plants, while Good Shepherd R/C JHS secured second with a garbage collection robot to improve sanitation, and Ayeduase R/C Basic School placed third with a smart soil and crop nutrient deficiency detection system.
In the SHS category, St. Louis SHS emerged winner with “Akandifour Energy Meter,” a self-regulating energy meter that allows users to monitor and control electricity usage via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Dormaa SHS placed second with a poultry disease detection system, Mawuli School came third with a semi-autonomous agricultural robot powered by machine learning, and KNUST SHS finished fourth with “MedMate,” an AI-powered healthcare assistant for basic health consultations.
Speaking at the RAIL Phase II Robotics Cohort II Challenge, Professor Jerry John Kponyo, The Principal Investigator and Scientific Director of RAIL, called on government to mainstream robotics and artificial intelligence education into Ghana’s national curriculum, adding that the future belongs to those equipped to navigate the digital space.
“It is important that we find a way of integrating robotics and AI into mainstream education, so it does not remain limited to a few schools, but becomes part of how we educate every child,” he said.
He explained that RAIL’s interventions have focused on applying AI to critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, energy, quality education, gender inclusion, and inequality reduction, demonstrating the potential of technology to address real societal needs.
As part of efforts to advance AI-driven quality education, Prof. Kponyo disclosed that RAIL, through its Women in Technology Theme, has established robotics laboratories in 22 schools across 14 regions, building early capacity in robotics and emerging technologies among young learners.
He urged policymakers to take deliberate steps to integrate robotics and AI into the national curriculum as a formal government policy. According to him, schools must be equipped with functional science and robotics laboratories, modern technology, and well-trained teachers capable of delivering practical and engaging science education.
“Let us resource our science and robotics laboratories and also build the capacity of our teachers. The future belongs to those who are able to navigate their way through the digital space,” he emphasised.
The Provost of the College of Engineering, Professor Kwabena Biritwum, commended RAIL for its impactful work in instilling responsible AI practices among young innovators.
“The RAIL participation shows what we can achieve when we work together as one. Science and technology, particularly AI, are what will transform our economies,” he said.
Professor Biritwum hoped that the students’ projects would be scaled up to strengthen innovation across education, research, and industry. He encouraged the participants to remain confident in their abilities and to consider engineering-related programmes at KNUST as they progress into higher education.
“Our doors are open. Anytime you want to visit us, just let us know, and I will be happy to receive you. You are our future,” he added.
Ing. Prof. Mrs. Eunice Akyereko Adjei, RAIL Women in Technology Thematic Lead, explained that the challenge was designed to celebrate the creativity, resilience, and curiosity of young Ghanaian scientists. She noted that the platform gives participants the opportunity to demonstrate the skills, confidence, and innovative thinking they have developed through the programme.
“Though their beginnings may be small, their future is destined for great bliss. These young innovators will manifest the inventions the world is waiting for,” she said.
Sharing practical perspectives on innovation uptake, Mr. Kwabena Yeboah Agyiri of Evidence Farms highlighted strategies for improving the adoption of technological innovations within local communities. He spoke about engaging community stakeholders, demonstrating clear benefits, and aligning innovations with local needs to ensure sustainable impact.
The event also received solidarity messages from the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Yamoransa Model Laboratory, both of which reaffirmed their support for initiatives that promote science, technology, and innovation at the pre-tertiary level.
