Ghana continues to shine on the continental stage as the all-girls robotics team from St. Louis Senior High School, supported by Firefly IO, clinched second place at the prestigious 2025 Pan-African Robotics Competition (PARC) in Senegal.
Competing against nearly 30 teams from across Africa, the team impressed judges with their problem-solving skills and innovation in a challenge centred around phosphate mining and fertiliser production. The students built a robot using VEX IQ kits to successfully complete three major tasks: mining phosphate rocks, simulating chemical mixing, and transporting the final product.
The team’s outstanding performance has earned Ghana a spot to represent Africa at the 2026 World Robotics Championships in the United States, scheduled for March and May.
“This is a proud moment for Ghana,” said George Sarfo, Team Lead and founder of Firefly IO. “These young girls have shown what’s possible when students are given the tools, training, and opportunity to excel. But the truth is, not many schools have this chance.”
Sarfo emphasized that while Ghana is making international strides in robotics, the lack of funding and equipment remains a major challenge at home. Firefly IO, which also organises the Ghana Robotics Competition (GRC), is preparing to host this year’s edition in October at the University of Ghana, with 150 schools expected to participate—from middle school to tertiary level.
However, many of these schools face serious financial barriers. “We urgently need sponsorship to support these teams—many of whom are talented but lack the resources to compete. We also need upgraded robotics kits like VEX IQ and VEX V5 to prepare them for the international stage,” Sarfo added.
Team member Salamat Adams shared how the PARC experience has motivated them to aim even higher, while her teammate Oprah Winfrey Nketiah noted that although they performed well, more advanced equipment used by other countries made a difference. “With better tools, we believe we can bring home first place next time,” she said.
The team’s success has sparked calls for support from educators and parents alike. Alfred Ahwireng, STEM Coordinator at St. Louis SHS, emphasized the importance of extending robotics education to neighbouring schools and communities. Charlotte Ansah Yeboah, a parent, encouraged other parents to allow their children to explore technology, saying it builds confidence and adaptability for the future.
With international recognition now within reach, Firefly IO is calling on the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, private organisations, and individuals to step forward and invest in Ghana’s future innovators.
