Government to Prioritize STEM Education for Upper Primary Students, Says Education Minister.
The Ghanaian government is set to focus on enhancing the education of students from Upper Primary Four to Senior High School through intensive studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).This initiative, which was revealed by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, on April 4, 2025, aims to equip students with the skills necessary for success in the increasingly competitive global job market.
To ensure the success of this initiative, the government is allocating substantial funding.
STEM education is central to the country's future educational reforms, with the aim of shaping the future of Ghana’s education system. In 2024, the government secured over 60 million dollars from the World Bank to implement STEM nationwide.
That year, several Senior High Schools made strides in STEM by successfully innovating in robotics, which helped Ghana win the Pan African Robotics Competition.
Education experts have also called for the integration of robotics into the STEM curriculum, a recommendation that is gaining traction.
In line with this, the Ministry of Education has met with the National Coordinator of Robotics to discuss creating a strong robotics framework that will give Ghanaian students a competitive edge on the global stage.
According to the World Bank, up to 50% of jobs worldwide could be replaced by robotics in the near future, highlighting the importance of incorporating robotics into the education system.
Ben Amoako, the National Robotics Coordinator, emphasized the significance of such training.
He also mentioned that organizations like Rant Academy in the UK are helping with entrepreneurship training, ensuring that students are not only prepared to find jobs but also equipped to create innovative projects or businesses of their own.
Minister Haruna Iddrisu confirmed that the government has secured adequate funds to push forward the robotics aspect of STEM education.
He highlighted that the future of education in Ghana will be shaped by STEM subjects.
He further stated that discussions are ongoing with the Ghana Education Service, the Ghana Education Trust Fund, and the Ministry of Education to distribute STEM kits to Upper Primary Four and Six students starting the next academic year, pending lawful procurement procedures.
Despite the focus on robotics, the Minister cautioned against an over-dependence on technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI).
He warned that an excessive reliance on AI could lead to students becoming complacent learners.
The government will support the introduction of AI cautiously, ensuring that it does not undermine the need for hard work in education.
He emphasized the importance of producing employable individuals, suggesting that changes in educational methods are necessary across all levels to help students become self-reliant and well-prepared for the workforce.
The Education Minister's commitment to revolutionizing STEM education in Ghana is clear, with a focus on providing students with the skills needed for a rapidly evolving global job market while maintaining a balance between technological advancement and traditional learning methods.
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