Nurturing STEAM expertise fundamental to Ghana’s industrial growth – Dr. Apaak

The Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has affirmed the critical role of STEAM education in driving Ghana’s industrial growth and global competitiveness.

Speaking at the International Community College (ICC) STEAM Fair, the Deputy Minister highlighted the government’s vision for STEAM education, which aligns seamlessly with Ghana’s broader developmental goals.

“Our strategy is to build an industrially vibrant Ghana by investing in STEAM education,” the Deputy Minister noted. “By equipping our youth with strong skills in engineering, technology, and sciences, we lay the groundwork for innovation and increased productivity.” This approach is expected to drive breakthroughs, improve existing industrial processes, and spur research and development, creating new sectors and sustainable employment opportunities.

The Deputy Minister also stressed the importance of integrating STEAM education with the digital revolution. “Embracing digital technologies is not just an option but a necessity for ensuring Ghana’s global competitiveness,” he said. To this end, the government has prioritized investments in digital infrastructure, ensuring that educational institutions have access to modern tools, high-speed internet, andu cutting-edge learning resources.

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has demonstrated its commitment to STEAM education, commissioning the Accra High STEAM Centre to provide students with hands-on experience in game development, coding, electronics, robotics, and character design. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to expand and resource science laboratories in existing Senior High Schools.

STEAM education has been identified as a key driver of economic empowerment, particularly in addressing youth unemployment. By equipping young people with STEAM skills, the government aims to enhance their employability and foster entrepreneurship. As the Deputy Minister noted, “By promoting critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, students are empowered to develop start-ups, launch tech-driven enterprises, and contribute to Ghana’s growing knowledge economy.”

The government’s commitment to STEAM education is evident in the significant budgetary allocations made in the 2025 National Budget. This financial commitment will ensure that more schools have access to modern learning resources, teacher training programs are strengthened, and students from all backgrounds are given equal opportunities to excel in STEAM fields.

The Deputy Minister’s emphasis on STEAM education as a fundamental driver of Ghana’s industrial growth and global competitiveness is a clarion call to action. By investing in STEAM education and fostering collaboration among government agencies, private sector players, and educational institutions, Ghana can create a prosperous and self-reliant nation, where innovation and entrepreneurship drive sustainable development.