The National Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Project competition, named “Stemnnovation,” will witness the participation of more than 800 Senior High Schools and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
The competition aims to showcase the creative potential of the schools in finding solutions to challenges faced by the country.
Participating schools will be tasked with developing STEM projects on topics related to urban gardening, clean water, and the flexible use of electricity. The theme for this year's program is “Future-Proofing Socio-Economic Development in Ghana Through STEM Education.”
During the launch of the competition in Accra, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Minister of Education, emphasized that the competition would focus on 21st-century skills to address national issues.
He called upon industries and entrepreneurs to commercialize the students' inventions, ensuring sustainable development.
The government has already commenced the full implementation of seven STEM schools, namely Abomosu Stem Shs, Kpansenkpe STEM SHS, Koase STEM SHS, Accra High School STEM, Bosomtwe STEM SHS, Bosomtwe Girls STEM SHS, and Awaso STEM SHS.
Dr Adutwum highlighted the crucial role of STEM education in equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to solve complex problems.
The Minister emphasized the importance of a skilled workforce with appropriate knowledge in supporting national growth as industries increasingly rely on technology and innovation.
The Ministry is committed to equipping existing science schools with modern equipment and improving educational outcomes.
Dr Adutwum revealed that the Ministry's Education Strategic Plan (2018–2030) aims to increase science enrollment at all levels of the educational system, with a target of achieving a 60:40 ratio of science to humanities enrollment at the tertiary level by 2030.
The introduction of a pre-engineering course for non-science SHS graduates offers them opportunities to venture into the sciences.
Mr William Darkwa, the Coordinator of the Senior High School Secretariat, stated that school registration for the competition is currently ongoing in all regions, after which the regional contests will commence.
The competition will kick off with regional competitions to select representatives for the finals, scheduled for September.
In the maiden edition of the competition, Kumasi Academy Senior High School emerged as the winner, scoring 24.6 points and surpassing Pope John Senior High and Seminary. Kumasi Academy SHS received a trophy, a laptop, a printer, and a cash prize of Gh12,000.
Pope John Senior High and Seminary, the first runner-up, received a plaque, a laptop, a printer, and a cash prize of Gh¢ 7,000, while Worawora SHS was awarded a plaque, a laptop, a printer, and a cash prize of Gh¢ 5,000. Additionally, awards were presented to 16 other regional champions, and recognition was given to the overall best recycling project, overall best coding and programming project, and overall best solar project.
