STEM Education Essential for Ghana’s Girls, Says Bountiful Technologies CEO

Accra – In a significant move to bridge the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, Mr. Seth Ogoe Ayim, the Chief Executive Officer of Bountiful Technologies Company Limited, has encouraged students, particularly girls, to actively engage in STEM programs.

According to Ghana News Agency, speaking at the Girl Powered STEM Workshop in Accra, held in conjunction with the International Day of the Girl Child, Mr. Ayim noted that globally, women represent only 20 percent in STEM fields. The workshop, organized by Bountiful STEM Educational Foundation and Bountiful Technologies Ltd in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Vex Robotics, REC Foundation, and Goethe Institute, aimed to inspire over 200 girls from public schools in Accra under the theme ‘Explore Endless Possibilities.’

Mr. Ayim emphasized that STEM education goes beyond equations and formulas, offering pathways to innovation, problem-solving, and a promising future. He expressed concern about girls losing interest in STEM as early as second or third grade, underscoring the importance of introducing them to these fields at a young age.

He appealed to Ghanaians to promote and inspire young girls to consider STEM careers and encouraged the girls to explore, be creative, and innovative. Mr. Aaron Kwaku Twum Akwaboah, Director of Strategy and Innovation at the Ministry of Education, echoed the sentiment, stating that Ghana’s full potential in STEM can only be realized by supporting girls and women in the field. He highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to transforming the country through STEM education.

Dr. Stella Asare, Deputy Director of Edutech, pointed out the challenges girls face in pursuing STEM, including lack of access to quality education, absence of role models, and prevailing gender stereotypes. Madam Miriam Amponsah, President of Women in Engineering, ECG Chapter, referenced UNESCO’s 2020 Gender Report, noting the gender disparity in higher education, especially in STEM subjects. She detailed various Career Guidance and Mentorship programs organized for females in different educational stages.

Madam Amponsah urged students to approach STEM with enthusiasm, curiosity, and confidence. She also called on parents to support and guide their daughters toward STEM fields from a young age. Mrs. Victoria Ansah, National STEM Coordinator at the Science Education Unit of Ghana Education Service, mentioned ongoing efforts to make STEM education more accessible, particularly for female students.

Madam Selina Appiah, President of Bountiful STEM Educational Foundation, affirmed the possibility for girls to excel in any STEM program. She announced plans to extend the workshop to schools across all 16 regions of Ghana to reinforce this message. Madam Appiah also appealed to the government and stakeholders for support, emphasizing its importance in motivating girls to pursue STEM education.