Transforming STEM Education In Ghana; Senior High Schools Equipped With New State-Of-The -Art Labs

In a major push to enhance science education in Ghana, the Ministry of Education is retooling over 200 science laboratories in existing senior high schools across the country. This is part of efforts by the Government to reposition Ghana’s education to produce a critical mass of assertive and empowered Ghanaian students equipped with the essential skills for socio-economic transformation.

Additionally, the ministry is also spearheading the construction ofnew science labs in existing schools and the Model STEM schools, a significant step towards fostering a conducive learning environment for future scientists and innovators.The initiativeis set to transform the landscape of science education in Ghana and align the country’s education in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). With the world rapidly advancing in scientific discoveries and innovations, the Ghanaian government recognizes the crucial need to equip its students with the necessary skills and resources to compete on the global stage.

The construction and refurbishment project is progressing at a steady pace, with some schools already reaching an impressive 90% completion. Among the institutions nearing completion are Afua Kobi Ampem Girls Senior High School, Abuakwa State College, and Opoku Ware SHS. These schools are expected to welcome students to their state-of-the-art science labs by the end of July 2023.

Other schools, such as Bosomtwe Oyoko Community Senior High School and Osei Adutwum SHS, are currently at 65% completion, indicating substantial progress in the construction process. By the end of 2023, these schools will have fully functional labs that will enhance students’ learning experiences in science subjects.One of the standout components of this project is the establishment of model schools, serving as exemplars of modern STEM education. Model School Awaso, Kpasenkpe Model School, and Abomosu STEM School are already leading the pack with 90% to 95% completion rates, surpassing the original expectations.

The Ministry of Education’s effort to retool and construct science laboratories in senior high schools demonstrates the government’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and scientific inquiry among the youth. The impact of this initiative is expected to extend far beyond the classroom, as it aims to inspire and empower the next generation of scientists, engineers, and problem solvers.

Ghana’s investment in science education is a testament to the nation’s dedication to progress and its desire to compete globally in the realm of scientific advancements. With these new and refurbished laboratories, Ghana is taking a significant step forward in shaping a brighter and more prosperous future for its citizens and the country as a whole.

Background

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education have been the foundation for discovery and technological innovation, and advancement throughout human history. It has facilitated the discovery of the steam engine, electricity, internal combustion, automobile, large-scale industries and manufacturing, computer science and IT, automation, and medical advances. People working in STEM are changing the face of the world every day through the discovery of life-saving drugs (e.g., vaccines for covid-19) and devices, or creating new technologies that keep us healthier, safer, and even for entertainment.

STEM education has been recognized globally as the fulcrum of achieving socio-economic transformation through a conscious repositioning of the education system to produce a critical mass of assertive and empowered students equipped with the essential skills for socio-economic transformation. This global turn to STEM is evident in the Government’s efforts worldwide in the implementation of STEM policies. Countries such as Finland, South Korea, China, Vietnam, Singapore, Brazil, Mauritius, Germany, United Kingdom, etc. have over the last decade been vigorously pursuing STEM education and steadily increasing student enrolment.

Ghana, like many other countries, aims to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. To this effect, the Ministry OF Education has this year operationalized five out of the ten 21^st Century Model STEM schools and has successfully placed over 2058 out of the 7,177 students who applied to pursue various programs in STEM programs. The schools running include the Abomoso STEM school which currently has enrolled 615 students, Awaso STEM which is also with 544 students, Bosmotwe Girls STEM with 374, Kpasenkpe STEM with 433, and Bosomtwe STEM with 92 students. According to Hon. DrYaw Osei Adutwum, the Minister for Education, this increased pattern of interest in STEM education suggests the country’s readiness to fully participate in the fourth industrial revolution with the view of transforming the human experience as well as inspiring a community of STEM professionals, educators, and industry to do more to broaden its scope to prepare the next generation of the workforce needed for our socio-economic development.

Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum has over the years been spearheading the STEM campaign through the introduction of STEM policy; a blueprint/framework for the implementation of the STEM transformation agenda.