Agona-Nkwanta (W/R), Sept 2, GNA - The only way African countries can redress the shortfall in human resources and scientific progress would be to ensure that the education of the youth is made complete and qualitatively comprehensive.
Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, said to achieve this the government would continue to give priority to the training, empowerment and motivation of individuals to liberate themselves and country from the shackles of poverty and ignorance. Mr Baah-Wiredu said this in an addressed read for him at the opening of a five-day science, technology and mathematics education (STME) clinic for 60 participants made up of 40 girls and 20 boys in the Ahanta West District.
The clinic, among others, will help participants to appreciate the role of science in the home through the use of electrical gadgets, encourage them to take interest in learning the subject and expose them to the use of the computer in the learning of science at both the basic and senior secondary school levels.
The Minister stressed the importance of science education in the country's developmental efforts and said the formation of science education unit within the Ghana Education Service is to focus on its relevance.
To ensure community participation and partnership in this endeavour, Mr Baah-Wiredu said the ministry has endorsed the formation of science and technology education committees at the regional and district levels.
On the spread of the HIV/Aids pandemic, Mr Baah-Wiredu said the efforts to boost science education would help to combat the disease since it would require more scientific minded citizenry to support the education to check its spread.
He appealed to the various communities to use the concept of the unit committees and the school management committees to ensure effective management of schools.
Mr Ahmad Daramanu, the Western Regional Director of Education, said the demand on the nation to get along with the rest of the world in science and technology places a responsibility on the education sector. Miss Rosemond Blay, the District Director of Education, said STME clinics have helped to bring out the best in girls who participated in the programme by breaking down misconceptions and psychological barriers to their participation in science education.
