Students of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) have developed two working drones from locally sourced materials as part of the pilot phase of the newly commissioned AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Smart Systems Centre in Tarkwa.
The facility is expected to strengthen local technology development while allowing Ghana to process sensitive mining, banking and telecommunications data within the country instead of relying on overseas servers.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UMaT, Professor Grace Ofori-Sarpong Akuffo, said the centre would enable companies to process data securely in Tarkwa, reducing the need to send information abroad.
According to her, keeping data in Ghana would improve processing times, reduce delays and lower operational costs for businesses and institutions.
Professor Ofori-Sarpong Akuffo said the centre also includes a digital equipment fabrication unit that will support the local design and production of electronic components.
She explained that the facility would help reduce Ghana's reliance on imported replacement parts by making it possible to manufacture components locally, including parts used in everyday electronic devices.
The Managing Director of AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, Mr Daniel Boadi, said the two drones were among the first innovations produced through the centre during its pilot phase.
He disclosed that another group of students had also developed a prototype sanitary pad vending machine, which would be presented to the mining company.
Mr Boadi said the projects demonstrated the ability of young Ghanaians to develop practical technology solutions when they had access to the right tools and training.
Professor Ofori-Sarpong Akuffo also disclosed that nearly all the equipment at the centre was assembled and installed locally by Dr Emmanuel Ifa and his team, rather than by foreign contractors.
She said the approach reduced overseas installation costs and reflected the growing technical expertise of Ghanaian engineers and researchers.
The Smart Systems Centre forms part of AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine's investment in technology, research and skills development, with the university expected to use the facility to train students in robotics, artificial intelligence and other digital technologies for the mining industry.
