Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has emphasized the essential role of science education in shaping the future of Ghana, urging students to focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) for national progress. He highlighted the significant impact of STEM on Ghana's socioeconomic development during his speech at the opening of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) high-level meeting in Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, the two-day event, organized by the AAS in collaboration with the Government of Ghana, the African Union (AU), African Scientific Research, Innovation Council (AU-ASRIC), and AfroChampions, aimed to celebrate the achievements towards Africa's Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Agenda. It also focused on evaluating opportunities and priorities for scientific cooperation in Africa.
President Mahama stressed the importance of integrating STEM education into all secondary schools, suggesting the construction of STEM blocks and laboratories in every institution. He noted the presence of prominent guests and participants in the meeting as a testament to the shared belief in the transformative power of science, research, and innovation for Africa's future.
The President praised the African Academy of Sciences for its dedication to scientific collaboration and knowledge production since its inception in 1985. He acknowledged the contributions of pioneering African scientists and Ghanaian scholars, such as Professor Edward Ayensu and Prof. Ebenezer Laing, who laid the groundwork for scientific excellence in the region.
He remarked on the global shift towards knowledge economies, acknowledging the accelerated growth of nations prioritizing science and technology. He encouraged persistence in efforts to catch up, highlighting the role of innovation as a driver of development across various sectors.
President Mahama shared that Ghana is hosting the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence (ARISE) to foster dialogue, coordination, and investment in science and innovation. He announced the establishment of an annual Scientific and Industrial Interface Review Forum by the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, in partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). This initiative aims to connect scientists, researchers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to showcase research findings and align them with industry needs.
The President emphasized the need to bridge the gap between research and its practical application, advocating for research that directly impacts people's lives. He also suggested that schools should organize visits to the CSIR to witness the ongoing research.
On a related note, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo advised African leaders to prioritize addressing basic needs like food security, health, and education before venturing into space exploration. He stressed the importance of using knowledge and innovation to tackle fundamental issues such as food production and security.
