The brilliant young innovators of Kona D/A Primary and Junior High School paid a courtesy call to the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II during the final Awukudae of 2025 to formally present the trophy they won after emerging National Champions at the Ghana Robotics Competition (GRC) 2025.
The visit marks a historic moment for the Ashanti Region, as Kona D/A becomes one of the youngest and least-resourced schools ever to win the national robotics championship — achieving this remarkable feat with only three days of preparation, sheer determination, and the transformative impact of access to technology.
Just a little over a year ago, Kona D/A Primary & JHS had no functioning AI lab. Today, it stands as one of Ghana’s most promising nurseries of AI and robotics talent thanks to the strategic partnership between the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation, Newmont Ghana who funded it, and Coral Reef Innovation Africa (CRIA) — who set up the school’s 50-seater AI Lab, robotics kits, tablets, trained coaches, and learning content.
A triumph against the odds
The GRC 2025 brought together over 74 teams, including 37 middle school teams, 26 high schools, and 11 universities. Despite arriving as first-time competitors, the Kona D/A team demonstrated extraordinary composure, creativity, and technical discipline.
Their triumphant three-member team consists of Godfred Ofori, — Age 14, JHS 3, Victoria Tabi Boakye — Age 10, Basic 5, and Austin Osei Okrah — Age 13, JHS 3.
In addition to the overall national championship trophy, Austin Osei Okrah earned a special personal accolade — being named Best in the Tech’s League, earning the title Controller Conqueror for GRC 2025.
A moment of pride and a glimpse of the future
During the presentation ceremony, representatives from the Otumfuo Foundation, Newmont Gold Ghana and Coral Reef Innovation Africa and school leadership reaffirmed that this achievement is not only a win for Kona but a milestone for Ghana’s broader vision of access, equity, and inclusion in STEM education.
These outcomes prove how opportunity and exposure unlock the potential of young Africans when given the right tools and encouragement.
The students expressed gratitude to the Foundation, Newmont Ghana, CRIA, their teachers, and their community for believing in them and creating the space to dream and build.
