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In our previous blogs, we’ve explored how different countries are shaping the future of STEM education through policies, school programs, and industry partnerships. Today, we turn our attention to Ghana, a country that has placed science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at the center of its educational and economic agenda. Like many nations, Ghana sees STEM as a critical driver of innovation, workforce development, and long-term growth.
Over the past decade, the country has taken steps to expand access to education and improve quality at all levels. The introduction of the Free Senior High School policy opened the doors for more young people to continue their studies, and specialized STEM schools and laboratories are being developed to provide modern facilities. Curriculum updates now include computing and coding from the basic level, ensuring that students are introduced to digital literacy at an early stage. These reforms signal a clear commitment to making STEM education not just an option but a priority.
At the same time, Ghana’s education system continues to face challenges that are common across the region—such as shortages of qualified teachers, limited resources in rural schools, and disparities in participation between boys and girls. Addressing these issues requires not only government action but also the involvement of private partners, local innovators, and international collaborators.
In this blog, we take a closer look at STEM education in Ghana: the progress made, the obstacles that remain, and the role of partnerships in shaping the country’s path forward.
1. What Are the Challenges Ghana Faces in STEM Education?
Like many countries, Ghana has ambitious goals for STEM education. But there are still several obstacles that stand in the way of achieving them.
1.1 Infrastructure and Resources
STEM education in Ghana continues to be constrained by inadequate facilities. The Status of Resource Availability and Science Teaching at the Junior High School Level in Ghana reports that many junior high schools lack fully equipped science laboratories, leaving teachers to rely on theory rather than practical experiments. Even at the senior high level, a significant number of schools operate with outdated or overcrowded labs, making it difficult for students to gain hands-on experience in subjects like chemistry and physics.
Access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is also uneven. A 2023 report on digitalisation in Ghana found that only 13% of junior high schools have computers, and fewer than 20% have internet access. While some urban schools are equipped with computer labs, many rural schools operate with very few machines or none at all. Without reliable labs and ICT resources, STEM lessons often remain abstract, preventing students from developing the practical skills needed for higher studies and future careers.
1.2 Teacher Shortages
A shortage of qualified teachers continues to hold back STEM education in Ghana. Reports from the Ghana Education Service and research by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment point to persistent gaps in staffing for subjects such as physics, chemistry, and advanced mathematics. For those already in the classroom, opportunities for ongoing professional training remain limited, making it difficult to introduce newer topics like robotics and coding.
1.3 Funding Constraints
Ghana dedicates close to one-fifth of its national budget to education, but the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Education both note that more than 80 percent of this goes to salaries and compensation. With such a large share tied up in wages, relatively little remains for new laboratories, updated equipment, or innovative teaching programs.
1.4 Gender Disparities
Although Ghana has reached near parity in overall secondary school enrollment, women remain underrepresented in science and technology. Data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics highlights the gender gap in Ghana’s research workforce, where women account for fewer than one in five researchers. Studies from groups such as STEMbees and the African Academy of Sciences also underline the barriers girls face in pursuing STEM careers.
Together, these challenges illustrate the hurdles Ghana must overcome to make STEM education accessible and effective for all. Addressing these foundational challenges is crucial, and the Ghanaian government has responded with a series of bold, top-down initiatives.
2. What Has the Government Done to Promote STEM in Ghana?
The Ghanaian government has placed STEM education at the center of its development agenda, introducing several policies and programs to expand access and improve quality.
2.1 Free Senior High School (SHS) Policy
Launched in 2017 under the Ministry of Education, the Free SHS policy eliminated tuition fees at the secondary level. According to government reports, enrollment rose sharply to more than 1.3 million students within a few years, widening the pipeline for science and mathematics education.
2.2 Specialized STEM Schools
The government has established model institutions dedicated to STEM, including the Bosomtwe Girls’ STEM Senior High School and the Accra STEM Academy. These schools are equipped with modern laboratories and are designed to train students in areas such as robotics, engineering, and applied sciences. Plans for additional STEM-focused schools and centers have also been announced by the Ministry of Education.
2.3 STEM Education Enhancement Programme
As part of this initiative, the government has made significant strides in improving STEM education by constructing and refurbishing science laboratories across the country. According to reports from the Ministry of Education, over 200 laboratories have been completed or are under construction in various senior high schools. This initiative is designed to provide students with the facilities they need to engage in practical, hands-on science education, helping bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.
2.4 Curriculum Reforms
Through the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), Ghana has introduced a new standards-based curriculum for basic schools. The reforms place emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy. ICT has been made compulsory from primary level, and coding has been introduced as part of the computing curriculum.
2.5 Pre-Engineering Programme
In 2021, the Ghanaian government launched a one-year Pre-Engineering Programme for senior high school graduates from non-science tracks. Offered at universities like the University of Mines and Technology and Pentecost University, the program provides foundational knowledge in subjects like mathematics, physics, and chemistry. It aims to equip students with the skills needed to pursue engineering degrees at the tertiary level, especially in fields like mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.
Together, these initiatives show how the government is laying the groundwork for a stronger STEM education system. But Ghana’s story does not end with policy. Across the country, grassroots innovations, startups, and maker hubs are bringing STEM to life in ways that are both creative and uniquely local.
3. What Are the Most Notable STEM Innovations in Ghana?
One of Ghana’s greatest strengths lies in the creativity of its educators and entrepreneurs. Instead of waiting for large-scale reforms, many have developed practical tools and programs that make STEM education more accessible and engaging.
3.1 The Dext Science Kit
Created by Ghanaian innovator Charles Ofori Antipem, this pocket-sized kit allows students to carry out dozens of science experiments without needing a full laboratory. Recognized internationally, the Dext Kit has become a lifeline for rural schools, serving as a portable lab that makes science hands-on and affordable.
3.2 Project Alpha
The Elsie Effah Kaufmann Foundation launched Project Alpha to bring practical STEM learning to basic schools. By supplying hands-on science kits and training teachers, the program has already reached thousands of students, proving how interactive lessons can spark curiosity and deeper understanding.
3.3 Innovation Hubs
Spaces such as Kumasi Hive and iSpace Foundation give young people access to 3D printers, electronics workshops, and mentorship. These hubs bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application, helping students and startups turn ideas into tangible products.
3.4 STEM Explorer Programs
The Ghana Science and Tech Explorer Prize (GSTEP) takes students out of the classroom to visit recycling plants, tech labs, and universities. These field experiences show how STEM knowledge applies in real industries, making learning more relevant.
3.5 Mobile Learning and Coding on Phones
With initiatives like SuaCode Africa, students can learn coding directly on their smartphones. By leveraging Ghana’s growing mobile connectivity, these programs bring digital skills to learners who may not have access to computers.
Together, these innovations give Ghana’s STEM ecosystem a distinct identity. And when combined with international partnerships and competitions, they amplify the country’s role as a hub of creativity and problem-solving.
4. How Partnerships and Competitions Boost STEM Education in Ghana
STEM education thrives when schools, government, and private partners work together. In Ghana, one of the most impactful collaborations has been between WhalesBot and The MakersPlace. Through this partnership, students have gained access to advanced robotics kits such as the WhalesBot U30 Pro and Eagle1003, as well as AI modules including the 3S, 5, and 5S. These tools provide hands-on experience with robotics and artificial intelligence, allowing learners to move beyond theory and develop practical skills aligned with global standards.
The collaboration has also created platforms for students to showcase their talents. The ENJOY AI competition has already been held three times in Ghana, challenging young innovators to design and present AI-powered solutions to real-world problems. It helps students build not only technical expertise but also creativity, teamwork, and confidence.
Looking ahead, Ghana will take the spotlight on September 27, 2025, when Accra hosts the African Open. The event is expected to bring together more than 500 students from five African countries, providing a continental stage for collaboration and competition. Hosting such a gathering underscores Ghana’s growing reputation as a regional hub for STEM innovation.
With initiatives like these, partnerships and competitions are proving to be powerful drivers of STEM momentum in Ghana—connecting students to the tools, challenges, and opportunities they need to succeed in the future.
5. What Is the Future of STEM Education in Ghana?
Looking ahead, Ghana is well-positioned to become a leader in STEM education in West Africa. The building blocks are already in place, but several priorities will determine how far the country can go. Programs like the Dext Science Kit and Project Alpha show how grassroots innovations can make science practical and engaging, and scaling them nationwide will ensure every student—urban or rural—has access to hands-on learning. At the same time, strengthening girls’ participation through mentorship and scholarships remains vital. With institutions such as Bosomtwe Girls’ STEM Senior High School, Ghana has the chance to set a strong example for gender inclusion in the region.
Mobile-based learning platforms, including smartphone coding programs, also hold promise for reaching students who may never have access to fully equipped laboratories. Expanding these tools could help close gaps in rural areas. In addition, closer partnerships between schools and industries will be critical to align education with real job opportunities in fields such as technology, energy, and engineering.
On a larger scale, events like the upcoming African Open in Accra, which will host more than 500 students from five African countries, highlight Ghana’s growing role as a hub for continental STEM collaboration. These platforms, combined with international partnerships, showcase Ghana’s ambition to position itself as a regional center for innovation.
Ghana’s STEM journey is not just about policies or numbers—it is about homegrown solutions that put science and technology directly into the hands of students. From portable labs and mobile coding lessons to specialized schools and continental competitions, the country is shaping a STEM identity that is practical, inclusive, and forward-looking. With these efforts, the future of STEM education in Ghana looks bright—one where creativity, technology, and opportunity converge to shape a new generation of innovators.
