The Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation, in partnership with Newmont, has officially commissioned the Otumfuo–Newmont AI for Youth Center in Sankore — the fourth of six Smart Labs being rolled out across Ghana to expand access to cutting-edge digital and future-ready education.
The lab, fully funded by Newmont and set up by Coral Reef Innovation Africa (CRIA), is another realisation of the Otumfuo Foundation’s vision to create learning opportunities to Ghana’s youth no matter where they are.
The new center forms part of a landmark effort to equip young people in underserved communities with hands-on skills in artificial intelligence, robotics, coding, problem-solving, digital creativity, and STEM learning.
The initiative advances the shared vision of the Otumfuo Foundation, Newmont, and Coral Reef Innovation Africa to promote access, equity, and inclusion in education for every Ghanaian child.
Building on a proven model of impact
The launch in Sankore follows significant achievements already recorded at the AI for Youth Centres in Wioso and Kona, where the initiative has ignited remarkable transformations in learning outcomes and student creativity.
In Wioso, students training in the Smart Lab placed 5th nationwide at the 2024 Ghana Robotics Competition — a groundbreaking achievement for a community previously underserved in digital literacy.
In Kona, the impact went even further. In 2025, the robotics team from Kona D/A Primary and JHS emerged as National Champions at the Ghana Robotics Competition in Accra, outperforming elite schools from across the country.
Their victory delivered powerful proof of what becomes possible when rural learners are given the tools, mentorship, and opportunities to thrive.
Social Performance Director at Newmont, Joseph Danso, remarked, “These results show that brilliance exists everywhere. When we level the playing field, Ghana’s children — from Wioso to Kona, and now Sankore — rise to meet the challenge. The future of innovation in
Ghana will not only come from cities; it will come from every community.”
The new Sankore AI for Youth Centre is equipped to support students from various schools across the district.
Its features include AI & robotics training systems, digital literacy workstations, hands-on STEM kits, teacher training modules and a supportive environment for inclusive learning
The facility is built to serve girls, boys, and learners with diverse needs, promoting equal access to 21st-century skills.
The Otumfuo Foundation emphasised that this project aligns with the vision of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, which places education, youth development, and opportunity creation at the heart of community transformation.
“Today’s event is more than a celebration of infrastructure; it is a symbol of possibility and empowerment”, said Elaine Oppong-Peprah, Administrator of the Foundation.
Newmont’s continued investment in the AI for Youth initiative reinforces its long-term commitment to empowering communities with future-ready skills, digital competence, and pathways to employment in a rapidly evolving global economy.
“This project is an investment in human potential. The youth of Sankore deserve access to the same opportunities as any child in Accra, New York, or London. We are proud to support a programme that is shaping Ghana’s next generation of innovators,” said Joseph Danso.
He further added that “Newmont has committed over GH₵1.7 million toward establishing six of such educational facilities under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Otumfuo Foundation.
CRIA’s Vision: Empower Tomorrow Today
Coral Reef Innovation Africa, the implementing partner, continues to train teachers and mentor students across all established Smart Labs. CRIA’s model focuses not only on technology access but also on nurturing confidence, creativity, and problem-solving among young learners.
“Our mission is simple, “Empower Tomorrow Today.” With each new center, we are building ecosystems where children can learn, create, compete, and lead. Sankore is now part of a growing network of communities proving that Ghana’s innovation future is in strong and brilliant hands.
The results from Wioso and Kona prove that brilliance exists everywhere.
When rural learners gain access, they rise. Sankore is the next chapter”, said Audrey-Bertha Nartey, Country Lead, Coral Reef Innovation Africa.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation
The Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation seeks to build sustainable programs, services and projects in Ghana to improve the quality of life of Ghanaians, inspired by the vision of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Newmont Gold Ghana
Newmont is the world’s leading gold company and a producer of copper, zinc, lead, and silver.
The Company’s world-class portfolio of assets, prospects and talent is anchored in favourable mining jurisdictions in Africa, Australia, Latin America & Caribbean, North America, and Papua
New Guinea.
Newmont is the only gold producer listed in the S&P 500 Index and is widely recognised for its principled environmental, social, and governance practices.
The Company is ban industry leader in value creation, supported by robust safety standards, superior execution, and technical expertise. Newmont was founded in 1921 and has been publicly traded since 1925.
At Newmont, our purpose is to create value and improve lives through sustainable and responsible mining.
To learn more about Newmont’s sustainability strategy and initiatives, go to www.newmont.com.
Coral Reef Innovation Africa (CRIA)
A Pan-African EdTech and innovation organisation focused on digital inclusion, AI literacy, and creating opportunities for underserved youth through technology, future-skills learning, and teacher empowerment.
