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The Ministry of Education is set to partner with Zipline Technology, a global leader in drone technology and delivery solutions to revolutionize STEM education in Ghana.
The proposed project seeks to ignite students’ interest, deepen their knowledge, and refine their skills in the field of drone technology.
This initiative is slated to be implemented in seven STEM-focused schools across the country. These schools have been selected to offer Aviation and Aerospace and will serve as hubs of innovation, fostering an environment conducive to hands-on learning and exploration in drones.
In addition to enhancing student proficiency in drone technology, Zipline Technology will facilitate the swift and reliable delivery of educational materials such as textbooks and exam papers to schools.
ABOUT ZIPLINE TECHNOLOGY
Zipline is a technology that uses unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones to deliver medical supplies and other critical items to remote or hard-to-reach areas. The system uses specially designed drones that are capable of carrying payloads of up to 4 pounds over long distances. The drones are launched from a fixed location and fly autonomously to the designated delivery point, where they drop the package by parachute. Zipline technology is considered faster, safer, and more cost-effective than traditional delivery methods, making it an ideal solution for emergency and humanitarian situations.
History of Zipline Technology in Ghana
Zipline technology was introduced in Ghana by the Silicon Valley-based startup, Zipline International Inc.
Zipline, the company that specializes in drone delivery of medical supplies, was introduced in Ghana in April 2019. The partnership between Zipline and the Ghanaian government was established to improve access to medical products in remote areas of the country. This innovative technology has been instrumental in delivering blood, vaccines, and other critical medical supplies to healthcare facilities in a timely manner.
Zipline started with one centre at Suhumu Omenako but has now become a household thing with five additional distribution Centres at Sewfi Wiawso, Mampong in Ashanti Region, Vobsi near Walewale, Anum Boso and Kete Krachi.
These centres are equipped with drones that can fly up to 80 kilometres round-trip, delivering critical medical supplies such as blood, vaccines, and emergency medication to remote and hard-to-reach areas.
The program has been successful in improving access to healthcare services for millions of Ghanaians, particularly those in rural communities who previously had limited access to medical facilities. The Zipline technology has also helped to reduce transportation costs and mitigate the risk of medical supply shortages in the country.
Since its launch, the Ghana Zipline program has received global recognition and has been replicated in other countries such as Rwanda, Tanzania, and the United States.
The six Zipline distribution centres in Ghana
1. Omenako Distribution Centre – located in Omenako, Ghana and serves the Eastern Region
2. Mampong Distribution Centre – located in Mampong, Ghana and serves the Ashanti Region
3. Walewale (Vobsi) Distribution Centre
4. Sefwi Wiawso Distribution Centre
5. Anum Boso Distribution Centre
6. Kete Krachi Distribution Centre
Both centres are focused on delivering medical supplies, including blood and vaccines, to remote areas of Ghana using drones.
Watch the video of Zipline Technology below.
