Lecturers at the public universities in Ghana have been paid a total amount of GH¢700 million as book and research allowances since 2020.
This was announced by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 whilst addressing the 3rd Applied Research Conference of Technical Universities in Ghana (ARCTUG 2024), in Sunyani, on Wednesday, this week.
These investments, according to President Akufo-Addo, are crucial for creating an environment conducive to scholarly investigation and innovation.
President Akufo-Addo used the occasion to highlight other investments his government has made in the educational sector, including Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
According to him, such investment in STEM education extends beyond infrastructure.
COMMITMENT
President Akufo-Addo reiterated his government’s commitment to advancing STEM education in Ghana. He outlined the various initiatives and investments aimed at fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and innovation.
He emphasised the crucial role of STEM education in driving economic growth and societal progress. He noted that the rapid advancements in fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology and renewable energy present unprecedented opportunities.
To fully leverage these opportunities, the president stressed the need to equip the workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge.
“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.
The President also mentioned the development of 20 STEM centres and 10 model STEM Senior High schools across the country, seven of which are already operational.
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. 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.
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.
ALIGN
The President noted 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.
President Akufo-Addo emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to innovation. He noted that 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.
The President also acknowledged the extraordinary work done by the Ministry of Education, led by Yaw Osei Adutuwum, in modernising the educational system.
He praised the efforts of individuals like Fred Asamoah, Director General of COTVET, for their contributions to advancing education in Ghana.
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, characterised by innovation, inclusivity, and prosperity,” he said
