The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Education, is retooling over 200 science laboratories in existing Senior High schools across the country, in a major push to enhance science education in the Country.
This comes, as part of Government’s efforts 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, the Ministry of Education has said.
The ministry, with a significant step towards fostering conducive learning environment for future scientists and innovators, is also spearheading the construction of new science labs in existing schools and the Model STEM schools.
This initiative is 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).
In a shared statement to The Chronicle, the Ministry noted that with the world rapidly advancing in scientific discoveries and innovations, the government of Ghana sees the crucial need to equip its students with the necessary skills and resources to compete on the global stage, hence the introduction of this initiative.
The statement revealed that, the construction and refurbishment project is progressing steadily, with Afua Kobi Ampem Girls Senior High School, Abuakwa State College and Opoku Ware SHS nearing completion and 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 and will have fully functional labs that will enhance students’ learning experiences in science subjects by the end of 2023,” the Ministry said.
One of the standout components of this project, according to the Ministry, is the establishment of model schools, serving as examples 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.
These efforts by the Ministry of Education demonstrates the government’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and scientific inquiry among the youth, with an impact 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,” said the Ministry.
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 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 socioeconomic 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 socioeconomic 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 enrollment.
Ghana, through the Ministry of Education, with the aim of strengthening STEM education has this year operationalised five out of the ten 21st Century Model STEM schools and has successfully placed over 2,058 out of the 7,177 studentswho applied to pursue various programs in STEM programs.
The schools running the programs 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.
