Star Oil Ghana, in partnership with Coral Reef Innovation Africa, has commissioned the first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre of Excellence in the Volta Region. 

The newly launched AI Smart Lab at  Bleamezado in the Anlo district of the Volta region aims to equip more than 2,000 learners, teachers, parents, and youth with cutting-edge digital skills, including coding, robotics, and artificial intelligence.

Speaking at the ceremony, Philip Tieku, Managing Director of Star Oil Ghana, described the project as a significant investment in the future of education and innovation in volt and Oti region.

“This project is more than technology. It is about opportunity, empowerment, and preparing our young people for the future,” he stated. “At Star Oil, success is not only measured by business growth even though we are the fastest-growing Oil Marketing Company in Ghana and the largest supplier of petroleum products but also by the positive change we create in communities.”

Mr. Tieku revealed that the project, including the infrastructure, cost nearly ₵1.5 million, and expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their collaboration. He emphasized that the lab would serve not only as a learning facility but also as a community technology hub for innovation and creativity.

“This smart lab will offer opportunities for learners and the wider community to build digital competence and explore AI-driven solutions. We are working with the Ministry of Education, community leaders, and our partners to ensure the project is sustained for the foreseeable future."

Richard Osei Enim, Managing Director of Coral Reef Innovation Africa, highlighted the significance of the initiative as part of a broader mission to bridge the digital divide across Ghana.

“What we are building here is the first AI lab in the Volta Region. While our earlier projects provided basic smart labs with coding and robotics, this one  developed in partnership with Intel takes it further by introducing AI-enabled devices and certified Intel master coaches.

He praised Star Oil’s commitment to social impact and recounted similar success stories from other regions, where children of farmers who had never used computers became proficient in robotics within months and went on to compete nationally.

“It is possible. We look forward to seeing students from here represent Ghana at both national and global competitions, just as Methodist Girls’ High School did when they won the World Robotics Championship.

Mr. Osei Enim also emphasized the importance of sustainability and community ownership.

“After the lights and cameras are gone, the question is how to sustain this initiative keeping the equipment safe, maintaining and renewing it, and ensuring its long-term impact.

The event, graced by community leaders, educators, students, and officials from the Ministry of Education, underscored a shared commitment to empowering the youth of the Volta Region through technology and innovation.

With this commissioning, Star Oil Ghana and Coral Reef Innovation Africa have set a new benchmark for education-driven corporate social investment, opening doors for young minds in the Volta Region to explore careers in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), and drone technology.