The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) has taken a significant step towards positioning Ghana as a leader in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and smart mining technology through the commissioning of the Smart Systems Centre at UMaT.


The state-of-the-art facility, funded by AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine at a cost of US$750,000, is expected to strengthen teaching, research and innovation while producing graduates capable of developing home-grown technological solutions for Ghana's mining industry and other sectors of the economy.


Representing the Vice-Chancellor of UMaT, Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mrs.


Grace Ofori-Sarpong Ekuful, described the Centre as a landmark investment in Ghanaian talent and innovation.


"We are all here today because AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine made it possible. They believed in UMaT, believed in Ghanaian talent and invested in this Smart Systems Centre. On behalf of the University of Mines and Technology, we say thank you for this bold commitment to innovation and education," she said.


According to Professor Ofori-Sarpong, the partnership extends beyond infrastructure to developing the human capital needed to drive Ghana's technological transformation.


"This partnership goes beyond machines and buildings. We are talking about investment in people. We are talking about giving Ghanaian youth the tools to dream, to create and to lead," she added.


She also commended the local technical team led by Dr. Emmanuel Effah for assembling and installing nearly all the equipment at the Centre.


"They saved thousands in international costs and proved that Ghanaian expertise can deliver world-class systems," she noted.


Professor Ofori-Sarpong explained that the Centre comprises five integrated sub-centres that will support teaching, research and industrial collaboration.

She said the Robotics and Autonomous Systems unit will train students to design intelligent machines capable of improving safety and efficiency in mining and manufacturing.


The Advanced Data Systems facility will enable large-scale processing of mining, banking and telecommunications data within Ghana, reducing dependence on foreign data processing centres.


The Managing Director of AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, Mr. Daniel Boadi, said the mining industry is increasingly relying on artificial intelligence, robotics, the Onternet of Things (IOT) and advanced data analytics to improve safety, productivity and environmental sustainability.


"Artificial Intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things, smart sensors and advanced data analytics are no longer future possibilities—they are current operational necessities," he said.


Mr. Boadi stated that the Smart Systems Centre has been equipped with high-performance computing infrastructure, robotics equipment and advanced software to support machine learning, big data analytics and real-time operational modelling.


He stressed that the investment is intended to produce Ghanaian professionals capable of designing smart mining technologies locally.


"We want local experts who design smart mining solutions right here, reducing reliance on external technology and securing Ghana's place as a regional leader in mining innovation," he said.


He revealed that students have already begun demonstrating the Centre's potential by developing two functional drones from locally fabricated materials and a prototype sanitary pad vending machine during the pilot phase.


The commissioning of the AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Smart Systems Centre reinforces UMaT's ambition to become a leading hub for artificial intelligence, robotics and smart mining research, while strengthening collaboration between academia and industry to develop technologies that address Ghana's development needs.