The Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, has stated that access to education should not depend on geography, income level, or background.
Speaking at the Ghana Science & Tech Explorer Prize (GSTEP) under the theme of today’s event— “STEM Education and Its Role in Addressing Disparities in Education and Infrastructure Access in Ghana”— Dr. Apaak stated that the theme is “not just timely, but central to the vision of this new administration.”
“The Ministry of Education has made it a mission to address the long-standing disparities in our education system. Access to quality education should not depend on geography, income level, or background. And if we are to bridge these gaps, STEM must be at the forefront of our efforts,” Dr. Apaak stated.
Dr. Apaak, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Builsa South, disclosed that the NDC’s 2024 manifesto outlines several initiatives to promote STEM education, ICT development, and digital job creation.
“STEM Initiatives: SmartStart Curriculum: Integrate STEM, coding, and digital literacy into basic education curricula. Free Laptops/Tablets: Continue providing free laptops/tablets for SHS students. Curriculum Reform: Integrate STEM, agriculture, vocational skills, digital literacy, civic education, design thinking, and life skills into secondary education outcomes.
“Science Resource Centres: Expand SRCs across regions to support STEM/TVET education. STEM and TVET Schools: Establish schools in underserved areas to equip young people with technical and vocational skills,” the deputy minister stated.
On ICT Initiatives, Dr. Apaak mentioned, “Digital Literacy: Promote digital literacy at the basic level through computer facilities and ICT laboratories. ICT Laboratories: Upgrade existing and establish new ICT laboratories in schools. Practical ICT Skills: Impart practical ICT knowledge and skills in schools.
“Accessibility: Modernize education facilities for Persons Living with Disabilities and create an information hub/portal. ICT Centres: Establish ICT centres in underserved areas for shared access to computers and internet.”
The Deputy Minister for Education stated that the GSTEP Challenge is a flagship initiative designed to ignite curiosity and creativity among Junior High School students from the Greater Accra, Eastern, and Ashanti regions.
“Through a combination of mentorship, coaching, and hands-on support, students are empowered to develop real solutions to real problems. Whether it is designing environmentally friendly briquettes or traffic safety devices, the students you see here today are proving that innovation knows no age limit.
“Let me take a moment to commend the teams that made it to this year’s finals. Out of thousands of applicants, you rose to the top through hard work, teamwork, and vision. You are the true ambassadors of what education can and should be—practical, inspiring, and transformational,” Dr. Apaak stated.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
