President John Dramani Mahama has emphasized the vital role of science education, urging students to embrace Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) for a brighter future and highlighting its significance in Ghana’s socioeconomic development.
Speaking at the opening of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) high-level meeting in Accra, President Mahama underscored the necessity of building more STEM secondary schools, advocating that every secondary school should incorporate STEM facilities. “We don’t have to build stand-alone specialized STEM schools but to build STEM blocks and laboratories in every secondary school so that every child can have the same experience,” he stated.
The two-day meeting, organized by the AAS in collaboration with the Government of Ghana and various African organizations, aims to celebrate progress toward Africa’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Agenda while assessing opportunities for scientific cooperation.
The President praised the presence of distinguished guests and participants as a testament to their collective belief in the importance of science, research, and innovation for Africa’s transformation. He commended the AAS for its vision and partnership since its founding in 1985, highlighting its mission to transform lives through science—a goal that aligns with Ghana’s development aspirations.
He paid tribute to pioneering African scientists and Ghanaian scholars, reminding attendees that Africa’s scientific journey is rooted in creativity and resilience. President Mahama noted the importance of prioritizing knowledge in driving national growth and development, stating, “Nations that have prioritized science and technology have accelerated their growth.”
He identified innovation as a key driver of development across various sectors, from agriculture to healthcare. The President announced an initiative by the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), aimed at strengthening the interface between science and economic development. This initiative will connect leading scientists with business leaders to align research outputs with industry needs.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, addressing the meeting, urged African leaders to prioritize basic needs such as food security, health, and education before delving into space exploration, emphasizing that solving immediate problems is essential for future advancements.
President Mahama concluded by expressing his belief in the necessity of bridging the gap between research and practical application to enhance productivity and create jobs, stating, “We don’t research just for the sake of research. You must research so that it makes a difference in people’s lives.”
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