Science and Technology, hope for Ghana's development

Takoradi, Sept. 17, GNA - Mr. Paul Evans Aidoo, Western Regional Minister has noted that the strength and weakness of very nation depends on the type of education and skills given to its citizens. He indicated that scientific and technological education should be indispensable and vital if the nation wants to develop. Mr. Aidoo said this in a speech read for him at the Regional Science, Technology and Mathematics Education (STME) clinic held in Takoradi on Monday.

It was on the theme: "Promoting Quality Science and Technology Education for Sustainable National Development" and was attended by over 350 students from the Junior High Schools within the Western Region. Mr. Aidoo pointed out that government places a high premium on the development of science and technology for a better Ghana. "There is the need for all citizens to acquire some level of scientific literacy that would allow them to understand the world around them and to act responsibly," he said.

Mr. Aidoo said the adoption of science and technology as the basis for achieving sustainable development must be accorded paramount importance, if Ghana is to raise the standard of living and maintain a balanced economy.

"Scientific knowledge has always been the basis of wealth creation, creating activities such as agriculture, health, manufacturing, industry and the exploitation of natural resources," he said. He said it is important for all stakeholders to get on board and complement the effort of government in advancing science and technology throughout the country.

Mrs. Rebecca E. Dadzie, Western Regional Director of Education, indicated that the quality of science and technological education that the youth were receiving would raise their market value. "It is unfortunate that most of the youth shy away from studying science, mathematics and technology, because they regard them as abstract and dreadful subjects," Mrs Dadzie said. She called for the removal of the negative perception about science from the minds of students by making its teaching more appealing. She urged participants especially females to use the scientific and technological knowledge they acquire to help eliminate illiteracy, diseases and poverty from their communities. Mrs. Dadzie urged the students to be ambassadors of science and technology education. 17 Sept. 09