President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has underlined his government’s commitment to enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in Ghana.
The president has stressed the importance of STEM education in promoting economic growth and societal progress, emphasising that rapid advances in artificial intelligence, biotechnology and renewable energy provide unprecedented prospects.
Speaking at the third Applied Research Conference of Technical Universities in Ghana (ARCTUG 2024) in Sunyani on Wednesday (29 May), President Akufo-Addo remarked that the workforce must be prepared with the necessary skills and competence to fully capitalise on those opportunities.
He noted that through the Ministry of Education, the government had made significant investments in establishing high-quality STEM institutions and programmes.
President Akufo-Addo outlined various initiatives and investments targeted at promoting a culture of scientific inquiry and innovation.
The president referred to developing 20 STEM Centres and 10 model STEM senior high schools across the country, seven of which are now functioning.
These schools have been equipped with cutting-edge equipment and laboratories to aid teaching and learning in fields such as artificial intelligence and robotics.
The remaining three schools will be completed by the end of the year.
In addition to new facilities, the government has prioritised the refurbishment and modernisation of existing science laboratories.
The STEM Education Enhancement Programme began in 2019 and has seen the construction of 186 new science laboratories across Ghana.
These laboratories have modern, specialised technology to encourage hands-on learning and experimentation.
President Akufo-Addo emphasised that those initiatives are consistent with the government’s commitment to fostering a scientific research and innovation culture.
He said the government encourages youth and girls to pursue STEM careers by providing teachers with training and resources.
The President stressed the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to innovation.
He noted that recent challenges, such as climate change, public health crises, and sustainable development, required solutions from various disciplines and underscored the importance of boosting cross-disciplinary collaboration in developing better and more effective solutions.
President Akufo-Addo stated that the government’s investment in STEM education went beyond infrastructure, with over GH¢700 million granted for research and book allowances since 2020.
These investments, he continued, are critical in fostering a climate conducive to scholarly research and innovation.
The president urged all stakeholders to commit to strengthening partnerships and harnessing collective expertise to drive Ghana’s growth.
“Together, we can build a brighter future for our nation, characterised by innovation, inclusivity, and prosperity,” he stated.
