Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations Minister Samuel Nartey George has urged young people to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics as tools for innovation and economic development, as Ghana seeks to position itself for opportunities in the digital economy.
Speaking at the 2026 Robotics for Good Youth Challenge Ghana National Qualifiers in Accra, George said practical digital skills and hands-on learning would be critical in preparing Ghanaian youth for emerging industries driven by AI and automation.
The competition, organized by the International Telecommunication Union in partnership with MakersPlace, brought together 45 teams, including 28 junior teams and 17 senior teams, to develop robotic solutions focused on agriculture and food security.
“Whether you come first or not, you are already winners,” George told participants. “Your presence here shows curiosity, determination, and the confidence to challenge yourselves.”
The minister said robotics competitions should become more institutionalized across Ghana as part of broader efforts to strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics education and encourage innovation among young people.
He said initiatives such as the Robotics for Good Challenge help students move beyond consuming technology to building solutions capable of addressing real-world challenges.
George also reiterated the government’s commitment to investing in programs aimed at building digital skills and preparing Ghanaian youth for careers in AI, robotics and the wider technology sector.
Elsie Effah Kaufmann, dean of the School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana, said experiential learning was becoming increasingly important in complementing classroom education.
“These activities expose you to practical problem-solving beyond what is taught in the classroom,” she said. “You learn how to collaborate, think critically, and design solutions that can make a real impact.”
Kaufmann said Ghanaian students continued to demonstrate strong potential in robotics and AI on international platforms, adding that greater investment and support could help develop globally competitive talent.
Chief Executive Officer of MakersPlace, Douglas Ayitey, said participants were tasked with designing autonomous robotic systems capable of addressing challenges in agriculture and food security.
“Robotics is not only about technical ability,” Ayitey said. “It is also about resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving. Even when things go wrong, you keep improving and trying again.”
Ayitey said the top-performing junior and senior teams would represent Ghana at the global finals in Geneva, where they will compete against teams from other countries.
The Robotics for Good Youth Challenge forms part of a global initiative aimed at encouraging young people to use emerging technologies to tackle social and economic challenges while preparing future leaders for the digital economy.
