The Deputy Minister for Education in charge of TVET, Prof. Kingsley Nyarko, has observed that STEM and TVET education played a critical role towards driving technological advancements and fostering a culture of hands-on problem-solving that every economy needed desperately.
He explained that whereas STEM education equipped students with the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to tackle complex problems, TVET on the other hand provided students with the technical expertise to turn those solutions into reality.
Prof. Nyarko made the observation at the opening of this year’s edition of the novel STEMNNOVATION competition currently ongoing in Accra.
The three-day event has created an opportunity for students to innovate, and create projects that seek to find solutions to their environment and the country as a whole.
A total of two hundred and eighty-five (285) second-cycle institutions in the country applied to compete in this year’s edition of the competition but after going through the regional roadshows, only 56 institutions qualified for the grand finale which is currently ongoing.
This year’s completion has projects in the areas of Food Sovereignty, Sustainable Energy, Environmental Sustainability and Digital Technology.
It is worth noting that this year, 51 per cent of the projects are focused on environmental issues, which is particularly crucial as we confront the global challenge of climate change. We must find sustainable solutions for the future, and it is heartening to see our youth stepping up to meet this challenge.
Another 21 per cent of the projects focus on energy innovations, showcasing the drive to find new, sustainable ways to power our communities and industries whereas 11 per cent of the projects are focused on digital solutions, a testament to how integral technology is to the future of work, education, and life itself.
Prof. Nyarko who is the Member of Parliament for Kwadaso, said’ Together, STEM and TVET form the backbone of Ghana’s future workforce, and it is competitions like STEMNNOVATION that provide the platform for these young innovators to shine’.
He was particularly thrilled to see the inclusion of TVET institutions in this competition, adding that TVET was at the heart of Ghana’s industrialization and economic transformation agenda as it bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring that the young people not only innovate but also create tangible solutions that could be applied across industries.
The National Coordinator of the Free Senior High School Education, Mr William Darkwah, extended his heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors and partners without whose support, the competition could not have been possible.
He stated that their investment in the youth of this country was an investment in the future of Ghana, indicating that by supporting the STEMNNOVATION competition, they were contributing to the development of a generation of thinkers, creators, and doers as well as Young people who will shape the trajectory of the nation for years to come.
Mr Darkwa said, “Reflecting on the success of past STEMNNOVATION competitions, it is clear that this initiative is more than just a contest; it is a catalyst for real-world solutions. Over the years, we have seen students develop ground-breaking projects that address pressing challenges in areas such as agriculture, energy, healthcare, and the environment”.
He stated that each edition of the competition had raised the bar, showcasing the incredible talent and potential of the Ghanaian youth.