By Celestine Avi and Seth Eyiah
President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned the Yamoransa Model Lab 13 ICT Centre in Damango, describing the facility as a major boost to science, technology and digital learning in the Savannah Region.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Mahama praised the efforts of Helping Africa Foundation and its partners for supporting deprived communities through education and healthcare initiatives.
He paid glowing tribute to Mr. Daniel Rose, a key benefactor of the project, describing him as an elderly but energetic philanthropist driven by a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of people.
According to him, his relationship with the foundation began through the work of the Lordina Foundation, which collaborated with the group to supply medical equipment to rural health facilities across the country.
President Mahama noted that the partnership provided autoclaves, incubators, heat lamps, maternity beds and delivery beds to several deprived communities to improve maternal and child healthcare delivery.
He explained that after years of collaboration, the foundation approached him with plans to replicate the ICT lab project after successfully completing one in Techiman North.
“They showed me the design and said they wanted to build another one here and wanted me to be the promoter. What you do is initiate the building while they provide the equipment, and that is how the Damango project was born,” he stated.
President Mahama also remembered the late Alhaji Muniru Limuna and former Damango District Chief Executive Ali Kassim for their instrumental roles in executing the project.
He disclosed that although construction began some time ago, the commissioning marked his first visit to the facility since work started.
The President expressed satisfaction with the completed project, stressing that it aligns perfectly with government’s B-STEM education programme aimed at promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
He referenced the launch of a B-STEM school in Sawla a day earlier, saying the initiative is intended to equip young people with practical technological and digital skills.
“These labs will allow students to continue honing their skills, especially in information and communications technology,” he added.
President Mahama further highlighted that the facility operates on solar energy, making it a “green lab” capable of functioning without dependence on the national power grid.
He said the model presents an opportunity for collaboration between district assemblies and the Helping Africa Foundation to expand ICT infrastructure across the country.
“We can partner with district assemblies to provide the buildings while the Helping Africa Foundation supplies and installs the equipment,” he noted.
President Mahama officially declared the Yamoransa Model Lab 13 ICT Centre in Damango commissioned.
