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Ghana’s government is committed to promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, as stated by President of the Republic Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The President gave a speech at the 3rd Applied Research Conference of Technical Universities in Ghana (ARCTUG 2024) in Sunyani, where he described the numerous programs and financial commitments made to promote an innovative and scientific culture.
President Akufo-Addo stressed in his speech how important STEM education is to advancing society and the economy. He pointed out that there are never-before-seen prospects due to the quick advances in industries like biotechnology, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence.
The President emphasized that the workforce needs to be equipped with the requisite skills and knowledge in order to properly take advantage of these opportunities.
“Government, through the Ministry of Education, has invested heavily in the development of high-quality STEM institutions and programs,” President Akufo-Addo stated. He highlighted the ongoing construction of the Accra STEM Academy, a school dedicated to the teaching and learning of STEM subjects, which is set to be commissioned this year.
Along with the development of 20 STEM Centers and 10 model STEM Senior High schools across the nation, the President also mentioned that the government has prioritized the refurbishment and modernization of existing science laboratories.
Under the STEM Education Enhancement Programme, which was launched in 2019, the construction of 186 new science labs in various regions of Ghana has been undertaken. These labs are equipped with modern, specialized equipment to facilitate hands-on learning and experimentation. Three of the schools in the model STEM program are still to be completed.
The President stated that these programs are in line with the government’s pledge to support an innovative and scientific culture. The government wants to encourage more young people and girls to pursue careers in STEM by giving instructors tools and training.
The significance of interdisciplinary approaches to innovation was underscored by President Akufo-Addo. He pointed out that a lot of the problems we face today, such sustainable development, public health emergencies, and climate change, call for solutions that integrate knowledge from several disciplines. The President thinks that greater cross-disciplinary cooperation can lead to the development of more comprehensive and successful solutions.
The President also acknowledged the extraordinary work done by the Ministry of Education, led by Hon Yaw Osei Adutuwum, in modernizing the educational system. He praised the efforts of individuals like Fred Asamoah, Director General of COTVET, for their contributions to advancing education in Ghana.
The government’s investment in STEM education extends beyond infrastructure. President Akufo-Addo highlighted the substantial financial support provided for research and book allowances, amounting 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 concluded by urging 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, characterized by innovation, inclusivity, and prosperity,” he said.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
