A group of young innovators in Bolgatanga is proving that, with the right support, basic school pupils can turn everyday challenges into practical digital solutions.
At the DigiTech Academy graduation ceremony held on Monday, March 30, 2026, pupils, working in teams, unveiled projects including transport booking platforms, automated irrigation systems, speed detectors with buzzer alerts, forest fire detectors, drink dispensers, and home-cleaning robots, among others.
Leading the narrative is Ayingolsa Ayinpoka Sylvia of Sacred Heart JHS, who spoke to the media after developing a website with her colleagues to improve access to “Cando” tricycles.
“I had never heard of coding, HTML, or CSS before. Now I can build a website and even use it in my schoolwork. This programme has shown me that we can create solutions ourselves,” she said confidently.
Their project focuses on improving access to “Cando” tricycles, a common means of transport in the Upper East Region.
“Sometimes you can wait up to 30 minutes without getting a ride. With our system, you can book a Cando with your phone. It saves time and can even reduce theft because it is traceable,” Sylvia explained.
The initiative, led by the Telecel Ghana Foundation in partnership with Asustem Robotics and Mingo Foundation, has been running since September 2024, equipping pupils with hands-on skills in coding, robotics, and digital innovation.
Other pupil groups also shared how the programme has shaped their thinking and ambitions.
Azure Cyrus Azobila of St. John’s JHS, speaking in an interview with the media, said the experience has strengthened his career path.
“Working as a team on this project has helped us understand coding better. It has also pushed me closer to my dream of becoming a computer engineer,” he said.
Another group, represented by Balooro Maiyedah Wisiweh, developed a floor-cleaning robot inspired by the daily struggles of her pregnant mother and elderly grandmother.
“I wanted to reduce the stress at home. With this robot, my mother can control cleaning with her phone and rest when she needs to,” she said.
Programme officials say such creativity is exactly what the DigiTech Academy was designed to unlock.
Frank Tsikata of the Telecel Ghana Foundation said the initiative is turning curiosity into capability.
“Many of these students had never touched robotics before. Today, they are building real solutions. It proves that, with the right support, young people can innovate and lead,” he stated.
He added that the 12-week hands-on training model allows students to experiment, fail, learn, and ultimately create.
“We are raising a generation that will not just consume technology but build it. The future engineer, scientist, or entrepreneur may already be sitting in these classrooms,” he said.
The latest cohort engaged about 500 students from 19 schools across five regions, contributing to over 2,100 beneficiaries nationwide, with an impressive graduation rate.
Notably, about 70 percent of participants are girls, part of a deliberate effort to make Ghana’s digital future more inclusive.
Coach with Asustem Robotics, Anonsoe Yinimih Maurice, described the pupils as eager and highly adaptable.
“Their interest in technology is remarkable. They are always ready to learn and try new things,” he said.
However, he appealed for more support to expand the programme’s reach.
“Many students wanted to join but couldn’t. With more funding, we can scale up and give more children this opportunity,” he added.
Outstanding students were also recognised for their performance. Esther Abogoom and Benedict Apomina emerged as top performers in web app development and robotics engineering, respectively, while others were awarded for their engagement and innovation.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Seidu Mutawakil | Bolgatanga
