Rev.Dr.Ntim Fordjour , Deputy Minister of Education, has performed the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of Science, Technology, Engineering,and Mathematics (STEM) schools at Onwe-Abenase in the Ejusu Municipality and Juaben community in Juaben Municipality all in the Ashanti region.
Each of the complex according to the minister would have the following facilities when complete ; 450 capacity 2-storey 10 unit classroom and external works,10 unit classrooms (each class room,30 capacity),5 No.Laboratries (Each Laboratory, 30 capacity),1 No.Biology Laboratory, 1 No.Physics Laboratory, 1No.Chemistry Laboratory, 1No.Computer Laboratory and 1 NO.Robotics/Artificial intelligence (AI) Laboratory.
Aside that,the compex would have bookstores, Staff Common room and kitchenette,1No.Sick Bay,Administration unit and 48 No.Washrooms.
The Ministry of Education as part of its vision of remaging education is repositioning the entire educational system to produce a critical mass of assertive and empowered Ghanaian students with ensential skills for socio-economic transformation.
These skills include critical thinking, problem -solving, creativity, communication,collaboration, data literacy and digital and computer science which have been drawn from the broad pillars of foundational literacies,computencies and the character qualities of the 21st Century skills.
The STEM education goes beyond school subjects. It gives set that governs the way we think and behave.merging science, technology, engineering, and Mathematics, STEM education would help students to solve the challenges the country faces today.
Ghana’s economic development and stability are dependent on its ability to invent and develop new products.
This requires technical innovation which is only obtainable through the expertise of specialists with knowledge of STEM research.Therefore ,the role of STEM in a developing country such as Ghana is important because the country’s economy is completely dependent on new developments from technology and science.
The Deputy Minister explained that the project forms part of government’s determination to implement Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) so as to equip the students.
Rev.Ntim revealed this during a separate sod cutting ceremonies at Onwe-Abenase community in the Ejisu Municipality and Juaben community in Juaben Municipality all in the Ashanti region.
The Deputy Minister said the complex when completed would go along way to build a solid foundation for the beneficiaries of the STEM facilities to enjoy practical experience and also exposed them to critical thinking.
Rev.Ntim Fordjour said the STEM was President Akufo-Addo’s vision to provide quality education that would compete with global standard and offer teachers the needed comfort .
He therefore urged the contractors to work within time scheduled and complete the projects within Ten months.
The Contractors are expected to complete the projects within 10 months.Rev.Ntim Fordjour seized the opportunity to appeal to parents and guardians to take full advantage of the Free senior School policy and enroll their wards to school irrespective of their gender.
According to him,education is the bedrock of every developed society hence parents should not be discouraged to invest in their children education. The deputy Minister said Nana Addo led administration would continue to provide all the necessary conducive environment for teaching and learning.
The Deputy Minister for Finance who doubles as Member of Parliament (MP) for Ejisu, Dr.John Kumah commended the President of the Republic of Ghana,Nana Akufo-Addo and the Minister of Education for their bold decision to implement the STEM policy in Ghana.
He thanked the Ministry of Education for selecting Ejisu as part of the pilot project. Dr.Kumah also praises Nananom especially Abenasehene for allocating 14 acres of land for the STEM project.
On his part,the Adontenhene of Onwe-Abenase who doubles as the CEO of Students Loan Trust,Nana Agyei Yeboah heaps praises on Nana Addo led government and called on all Ghanaians to rally behind the government’s policies.
He said Nananom in the area would continue to contribute their quota to ensure the implementation of policies and programs initiated by government.
At Juaben,Nana Opimpim Suro Yeboah Kankam who duptized for the Paramount Chief of Juaben who is also the chairman of Council of State,Dasebare Otuo Siribour II,commended the government for the project.
The Juabenmanhene who provided 16 acres for the STEM school project in his statement entreated his people to take advantage of Free High School policy and enroll their children to school.
He warned them against the intake of tramadol,wee smoking in all their endavours.
Rev.Antwi Boasiako,the Municipal Coordinating Director for Juaben Assembly who delivered a welcome address on behalf of the acting MCE for Juaben,,Hon.Simon OSEI Mensah who is also Ashanti Regional Minister and Hon.Ama Pomaah,the MP for Juaben and Deputy Minister for Communications& Digitization thanked the President and Ministry of education for selecting Juaben as one of the pilot STEM school projects.
He appealed to the government to construct the road from Juaben main road linking the site of the STEM school.
