…..C Promoting technological solutions for illegal mining Ghana Digital Centres Limited has achieved a significant milestone, with one of it...
…..CPromoting technological solutions for illegal mining
Ghana Digital Centres Limited has achieved a significant milestone, with one of its supported participants, Bubune Biana Bottozah, earning second place at the renowned Ms. Geek Africa 2025 event.
A graduate in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Mines and Technology in Tarkwa emerged victorious among 11 other outstanding young women from various countries, with Kenya claiming first place and Cameroon finishing third. The event started in Kigali, Rwanda, and concluded with the final presentation in Conakry, Guinea.
Bubune, the founder and leader of the Eureka STEM Club in mining areas, presented a highly personal initiative at the competition: leveraging technology to fight illegal mining in Ghana. Her genuine link to the issue she was addressing made her stand out from the beginning.
At Ghana Digital Centres Limited, our goal is to offer young women chances to succeed in STEM and technology sectors," stated Christine Ansong Esq., Deputy CEO of GDCL. "Nurturing talents such as Bubune is central to our objective. By investing in young women and offering them spaces to present their innovations, we are not only developing individual careers but also establishing Ghana as a center for technological excellence in Africa.
The event attracted competitors from Benin, Chad, Madagascar, The Gambia, Guinea, Malawi, Rwanda, Senegal, and other African countries, with each participant offering creative, technology-based approaches to address regional issues. For Bubune, it was more than just a contest. "I viewed it as an opportunity to raise awareness about illegal mining and the role of technology," she said. "My project was based on my own experiences, so I felt a strong emotional connection. I made it a priority to involve others in my issue; I kept reading and, most importantly, asking questions to gain different viewpoints."
Her method integrated technical knowledge with engaging narratives, a technique that impressed the judges. "I incorporated storytelling into my presentations, and I was eager to ask questions. At one point, I even questioned a judge," she remembered. She highlighted curiosity, a business-oriented mindset, long-term dedication, social influence, and narrative skills as the traits that set apart winning participants.
The competition also assessed her ability to adapt. Collaborating with Estelle from Benin, who only spoke French, Bubune needed to use her fundamental French language skills to work together successfully. "When I had to work with a contestant who only spoke French and I had to recall all the basic French I know to make it work, it was both fun and challenging," she mentioned. The two developed a lasting friendship despite the language difference. "She doesn't speak English, and I don't speak French, but we are always in touch. It's amusing."
Perhaps the most significant change was in her self-assurance. "I can now present my ideas more effectively. I'm no longer hesitant, as that was a major obstacle for me," Bubune said. "Seeing young girls like me striving for similar goals made it easier to develop. Most importantly, I'm committed to sharing my expertise with others and collaborating with them."
Through the Eureka STEM Club, Bubune organizes interactive sessions focused on robotics, fundamental electronics, and experiments with renewable energy, while guiding youth from mining areas. Her JHS BECE preparation program offers junior high students real-life examples and subject revision. "A lot of them don't receive sufficient hands-on STEM education in their schools, so this makes a big difference," she mentioned.
Her path in STEM started at UMAT via the AAENICS Robotics Club, where she met fellow students who had a common interest in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. This base, enhanced by the support from GDCL, led to her success on the continent. "I was thankful for the acknowledgment, and all the effort hadn't been in vain," she remarked about her accomplishment.
In the future, Bubune intends to pursue a Master’s degree in Mechatronics at Ashesi University and grow the impact of her STEM club. “I will leverage my title to campaign against illegal mining and promote STEM education in public schools. Our goal is to extend our BECE preparation program so that JHS students in underprivileged areas receive structured assistance in Science, Mathematics, and ICT, including practice tests and guidance.”
Her advice to young women pursuing careers in STEM is powerful and straightforward. “Take the chance. Apply early, seek help from those already in the field, and you'll be set. Even if you don't feel completely prepared, go ahead and apply, and most importantly, don't reject yourself before others do.” This approach, inspired by a movie she once saw, has shaped her path from Tarkwa to major events in Kigali and Conakry, transforming her from a shy student into a self-assured champion.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
