President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has restated his government’s commitment to leveraging Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education for national development.
Speaking at the 3rd Applied Research Conference of Technical Universities in Ghana (ARCTUG 2024) in Sunyani, the President outlined the various initiatives and investments aimed at fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and innovation.
President Akufo-Addo underscored the crucial role of STEM education in driving economic growth and societal progress.
He indicated that the rapid advancements in fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology and renewable energy present unprecedented opportunities.
But to fully leverage these opportunities for national development, President Akufo-Addo emphasised the need to equip the Ghanaian workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge.
“The government, through the Ministry of Education, has invested heavily in the development of high-quality STEM institutions and programmes,” the President stated.
He highlighted the ongoing construction of the Accra STEM Academy, a school dedicated to the teaching and learning of STEM subjects, which, hopefully, would be commissioned this year (2024).
President Akufo-Addo also mentioned the development of 20 STEM Centres and 10 model STEM Senior High schools across the country, seven of which are already operational and with the remaining three schools to be completed by the end of the year.
These schools are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and laboratories to facilitate teaching and learning in areas such as artificial intelligence and robotics.
In addition to new facilities, the government has prioritised the refurbishment and modernisation of existing science laboratories.
Under the STEM Education Enhancement Programme, launched in 2019, the construction of 186 new science labs in various regions of Ghana has been undertaken.
These labs are equipped with modern, specialised equipment to facilitate hands-on learning and experimentation.
The President maintained that these initiatives are aligned with the government’s commitment to sponsoring a culture of scientific inquiry and innovation.
By providing training and resources for teachers, the government aims to encourage greater participation of youth and girls in STEM fields, emphasising the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to innovation.
President Akufo-Addo said many of the challenges faced today, such as climate change, public health crises and sustainable development, require solutions that draw on multiple fields of expertise.
By boosting collaboration across disciplines, the President believes more holistic and effective solutions can be developed.
He also acknowledged the extraordinary work done by the Ministry of Education, in modernising the educational system.
He praised the efforts of Minister of Education, Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Director General of COTVET, Fred Asamoah and others for their contributions to advancing education in Ghana.
The government’s investment in STEM education extends beyond infrastructure, President Akufo-Addo indicated, adding: “The substantial financial support provided for research and book allowances, amounts to over GH¢700 million since 2020.
These investments, he said, are crucial for creating an environment conducive to scholarly investigation and innovation.
President Akufo-Addo urged all stakeholders to commit to strengthening partnerships and leveraging collective expertise to advance Ghana’s development.
“Together, we can build a brighter future for our nation, characterised by innovation, inclusivity, and prosperity,” he averred.
Rex Mainoo Yeboah, ISD
