The Chiefs and people of Ziope in the Agotime Ziope District of the Volta Region have initiated a project to build a technologically inclined community. As part of this initiative, a well-equipped self-help information and communication technology (ICT) lab has been commissioned for the community basic school. This lab aims to provide pupils with practical training in ICT, going beyond theoretical knowledge. The project was made possible through the Ngoryiza initiative, launched in 2024, to mobilize resources for community development.
The commissioning ceremony saw Togbe Kpoduave Ahiagba IV, the Dufia of Ziope, lauding the community's efforts in initiatives that enhance residents' livelihoods. He highlighted other community projects, such as the construction of a 4-unit nurses' quarters for the community health centre, which will improve healthcare delivery. The ICT lab was made possible with the help of Rev Mensah Djokoto, who donated forty desktop computers, and is equipped with an air conditioner, robotic logistics, and an internet connection.
Rev Mensah Djokoto explained that he was moved to make a significant contribution to the education of pupils in the community, aiming to give back to society. He added coding and robotics to the centre, in collaboration with the Ghana Code Club. The Founder and Director of Ghana Code Club, Ernestina Edem Appiah, outlined the practical curriculum that will be deployed, targeting digital literacy, computational thinking, artificial intelligence, coding, robotics, and electronics.
The curriculum will train pupils to create with technology, building programs and animations using tools such as Scratch, and exploring critical computing with tools like micro: bit. Pupils will learn the foundations of robotics and be introduced to AI, including its responsible use and application to solve community problems. Ernestina Edem Appiah emphasized that coding begins in the mind, and the centre aims to teach pupils to think logically, identify patterns, and learn from mistakes.
The Member of Parliament for Agotime Ziope, Charles Agvbeve, commended the initiative, stressing the need for communities to champion self-help projects to aid government development efforts. He expressed optimism that the community's BECE performance will improve, citing the district's first-place ranking in 2025. He advised that the ICT lab should be used as a learning centre for pupils from other schools in the enclave.
The Volta Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Mawutor Agbavitor, welcomed the initiative, acknowledging the community's efforts to lead in development. He noted that ICT is no longer a luxury but a necessity, as it is crucial for tomorrow's jobs, today's knowledge, and the competition that children will face. The community has launched the 2027 edition of the Ngoryiza, aiming to raise funds to address other social needs.
The Ziope community's initiative to build a technologically inclined community through the ICT lab has garnered praise from stakeholders. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the community, particularly in enhancing education and digital skills. Key stakeholders have emphasized the importance of community-led initiatives in driving development and improving livelihoods.
Key points
- The Ziope community has commissioned a self-help ICT lab to provide practical training for pupils.
- The lab was made possible through the Ngoryiza initiative, launched in 2024.
- The project aims to build a technologically inclined community, with a focus on digital literacy and skills.
