STEM Education in Ghana: All You Need to Know About the Accra STEAM Centre
Ghana is making significant strides in promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education. One of the most notable initiatives is the establishment of the Accra STEAM Centre, which aims to transform the educational landscape and equip students with the skills needed for the 21st century. The Accra High STEAM Centre was inaugurated on Wednesday, November 9th, 2022, by the Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, as part of the government’s effort to align educational needs with industry demands. The Centre is the first of 20 STEAM Centres being constructed by the Ministry of Education, with the others at various stages of completion. Situated at Accra High Senior High School (SHS), the Centre boasts modern facilities and resources to support effective teaching and learning in STEAM subjects. Since its opening, the Ghana Education Service has operationalised and has been managing the Accra High STEAM Centre with the support of relevant stakeholders. One of the exciting aspects of the STEAM Centre is that, right from Secondary school, children have the opportunity to learn coding, electronics, robotics, game development, and character design. This Centre has become a STEAM training hub, building the capacity of teachers and students in Robotics, CoderZ, and 3D Printing to prepare them locally for the Robotics World Challenge. The Centre also continues to host visitors from the Ministries of Education in Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Kenya, who have come to learn best practices. The primary objective of the Accra STEAM Centre is to promote and enhance STEAM education at the pre-tertiary level and create a pipeline of learners for STEM education at the tertiary level. The Centre aims to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration among students. By providing hands-on learning experiences in areas such as coding, electronics, robotics, game development, and character design, the Centre helps students develop the skills necessary for real-life applications. The Accra High STEAM Centre, located on the Accra High School campus, is open from Monday to Friday to all pre-tertiary schools within the Greater Accra Region, ensuring that a wide range of students can benefit from its resources.
Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey’s Historic Win as the First Ghanaian and 7th Secretary-General of the Commonwealth
On 25th October 2024, history was made as the Commonwealth Heads of Government selected Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, as the incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. This makes her the first Ghanaian and the seventh Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. Her journey to this prestigious role has been nothing short of inspiring. She has broken barriers and set new standards for future generations. As the first Ghanaian to hold this distinguished position, she embodies the spirit of progress and unity the Commonwealth stands for. Ghana’s President, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was among the first to extend heartfelt congratulations, reflecting the immense pride and joy felt throughout Ghana. Hon. Botchwey’s victory is not just a personal triumph but a national celebration, showcasing Ghana’s growing influence on the global stage. Born in Accra, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey pursued her secondary education at St. Mary’s Girls’ Senior High School in Korle-Gonno. She is an alumna of several prestigious institutions, including the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Pitman’s Central College, the University of London, and the University of Westminster in the United Kingdom (UK). Her impressive academic credentials include an Executive MBA focusing on Project Management, an MA in Public Communication, a Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB), a Diploma in Public Relations and Advertising, and a certificate in Marketing Management. Congratulations, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey. You have made Ghana proud.
Ghana Sweeps Top 3 Awards at 2023 WASSCE International Excellence Awards
Three Senior High School (SHS) graduates who participated in the 2023 WASSCE have grabbed the first, second and third positions in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) International Excellence Award. The three outstanding students were awarded at the 72nd Annual Council Meeting in Freetown, Sierra Leone on Tuesday, 19th March 2024. Amo-Kodieh Leonard Kofi Marton from the St James Seminary Senior High School came first, Dzandu Selorm from Labone Senior High School placed second and Daniel Asenso-Gyambibi also from St James Seminary placed third. The three topped the 2,327,342 candidates who sat for the WASSCE (SC) 2023 in the five member countries of WAEC. For the first prize, the overall best student took home $1500, the second-place winner received a second-prize award of $1200 and the third-prize winner received $900 from the WAEC Endowment Fund. Currently, Mr Amo-Kodieh and Mr Dzandu are reading Medicine at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology while Mr Asenso-Gyambibi is a student at the Ashesi University. The International Excellence Awards for WASCCE for School Candidates are presented to the three (3) overall best candidates from the member countries that subscribe to the WASSCE, namely the Gambia, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Representing Ghana at the awards ceremony were council members of the WAEC, led by the Chief Government nominee, who is also the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Dr Eric Nkansah; Ghana’s Non-Council Member on the Board of Trustees of the WAEC Endowment Fund, Nana Appiagyei Dankawoso I; the Chief Director of the Ministry of Education, Mrs Mamle Andrews; the Head of National Office (HNO), Wendy Enyonam Addy-Lamptey, and all the other members. The International Excellence Awards was instituted in 1985 to reward and celebrate candidates with outstanding performance in the Council’s Senior High School Certificate examinations.
Dr Adaora Remy Umeoji appointed Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank
Nigeria’s Adaora Remy Umeoji has been appointed as Zenith Bank’s new Group Managing Director/CEO, making her the first female CEO since the bank was founded in 1990. She is a fellow of notable professional bodies including the Chartered Banker Institute, UK, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Nigerian Institute of Management, Institute of Credit Administration, Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Nigeria, Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators, and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, among others. She has a PhD, a Master’s in Law and two Bachelors in addition to other certifications from MIT Sloane, Columbia & Harvard universities. She has impacted many lives through her philanthropic and humanitarian activities through her NGOs; Pink Breathe Cancer Foundation and the Adorable Foundation focused on educating, and catering for cancer patients and indigent children, especially the Girl-Child. She succeeds the current CEO, Ebenezer Onyeagwu, whose five-year tenure ends on May 31, 2024. According to the bank’s statement, “her appointment is consistent with the bank’s executive transition tradition, succession plan, and strategy of grooming leaders from within.” Adaora Umeoji has nearly 30 years of experience in banking, having previously served as Deputy MD of the bank from 2016.
Paa Kwesi Asare; TV3’s Head of Business News, is winner of the 2023 BBC News Komla Dumor Award.
Ghanaian television and radio presenter, Paa Kwesi Asare, who is also the head of business news at Ghana’s TV3 channel has been named the 2023 winner of the BBC News Komla Dumor Award. This makes the 36-year-old television and radio presenter the first Ghanaian recipient and the eight winner since the inception of the award. The Komla Dumor Award was established to honor the legacy of the late Komla Dumor, a renowned presenter for BBC World News who made significant contributions in representing Africa and its narratives on the global stage. Dumor’s work aimed to showcase the diverse and dynamic aspects of Africa, highlighting its entrepreneurial spirit and vibrant culture. According to the judges, Asare’s strong journalism skills and his ability to effectively communicate complex topics in a compelling and clear manner made him the most outstanding for the award. As the 2023 winner of the BBC News Komla Dumor Award, he will have the opportunity to travel to an African country to report on a story that will reach BBC’s global audiences. This presents a wonderful chance for him to bring attention to important issues and shed light on the rich tapestry of the African continent. This recognition highlights not only Asare’s achievements but also the immense talent and potential of Ghanaian journalists. Once again, congratulations to Paa Kwesi Asare on this well-deserved honor. May he continue to inspire and make significant contributions to the field of journalism in Ghana and beyond!
Women in Aviation: Meet The First Female Military Pilot In Botswana
Captain Kgomotso Phatsima’s story is a remarkable one that shows the power of determination and hard work. Despite growing up in a small village and facing numerous challenges, she pursued her dream of becoming a pilot and made history as one of the first female military pilots in the Botswana Defence Force. Her passion for flying and her desire to inspire the next generation of young women and girls led her to establish Dare to Dream, a social enterprise that focuses on advancing STEM education and entrepreneurship skills for young women and girls in aviation and aerospace. Captain Phatsima’s educational background in mathematics and physics, as well as her military training, prepared her for a career in aviation. She holds a Commercial Pilot Licence from the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana, a Basic Military Flying qualification from the Flying Training School in the Botswana Defence Force, and a Master of Science in Strategic Management from the University of Derby. Captain Phatsima’s journey is a source of inspiration for young people, especially girls, who may face similar challenges in pursuing their dreams. Her story shows that with hard work, dedication, and a passion for what you do, anything is possible. Through Dare to Dream, Captain Phatsima is using her platform to empower the next generation of young women and girls to pursue careers in STEM and entrepreneurship. She is a role model and an inspiration to many, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. In 2017, Kgomotso won the Botswana Youth Awards Best Female of the Year and was part of the Obama Foundation Africa Leadership Program 2018 as one of the outstanding young emerging leaders in Africa.
The Woman Who Does Not Fear: Meet Yvette Tetteh, the First Ghanaian to complete a record breaking 450km swimming expedition across River Volta
Ghanaian-British athlete, environmentalist and agro-processing business founder has become the first person to Ghanaian to complete a record breaking 450km swimming expedition across River Volta to create awareness about the impact of waste colonialism. Yvette Tetteh’s achievement of swimming 450km across the Volta River is a remarkable feat and a significant moment in Ghanaian history. Not only did she break a record, but she also used her journey as a means to raise awareness about the impact of waste colonialism on the ecosystems of the Volta River. It is inspiring to see an athlete and entrepreneur like Yvette use her platform to bring attention to important social and environmental issues. Her swim is a powerful reminder of the importance of taking action to protect our planet and its resources. It took 40 days for the 30-year old Yvonne to swim across the Volta River starting from Buipe to Ada with her expedition crew and the OR Foundation. Researchers from the OR Foundation, who supported Yvonne’s swim and advocacy against textile waste, Yvette Tetteh and the OR Foundation research crew had an accompanying vessel from Brave Hearts Expedition, named, ‘The Woman Who Does Not Fear.’ Boat Captain from Bravehearts Expeditions, JayJay Addo-Koranteng and documentary photographer Ofoe Amegavie belonged to Yvette’s supportive team that was with her throughout the 40-day expedition to gathered water and air samples to aid investigations into the causes of the water pollution, as well as disseminate information about her journey to the communities along the swim route. Yvette’s swim is an inspiring example of using one’s talents and platform to bring attention to important issues and inspire change. Yvette is also a Board Member of the Or Foundation, founder of Y Yoga Ghana, a literary winner of the Koffi Addo Prize for Non-Fiction in 2016, and also founder of Yvaya Farm, an agro-processing company selling delicious, wholesome and responsibly farmed foods from Ghana.
Dr Nathaniel Codjoe; St Peter’s Boys SHS former student picks 16 awards from UCC Medical School
Dr Nathaniel Nii A. Codjoe, a young medical doctor has been adjudged the best graduating student from the University of Cape Coast Medical School taking home 16 awards out of 22 at the second session of the 55th Congregation Ceremony held for graduates from the College of Health and Allied Sciences. The awards winning medical doctor picked up the following awards: 1. Best Student in Anatomy 2. Best Student in Medical Biochemistry 3. Best Graduating Student in Physiology 4. Best Student in Microbiology 5. Best Student in Community Medicine 6. Best Student in Chemical Pathology 7. Best Student in Pharmacology 8. Best Student in Clinical student 9. Best Graduating Male Student 10. Best Graduating Pre-Clinical Student 11. Best Student in MB ChB Final Part II 12. Best Overall Performance 13. Best Overall Male Medical Student 14. Best Student in Family Medicine 15. Molecular Medicine with Certificate 16. Best student in Ear, Nose and Throat Rotation Dr Nathaniel Nii A. Cudjoe is an old boy of St Peter’s Boys Senior High School where he represented the school in the popular National Science and Maths Quiz. Even though he was denied entry into the University of Ghana Medical School, he transferred to the UCC Medical School the following year, defying all odds by excelling and graduating as an award-winning physician. “I had 7 ‘A’s and a B2 after writing the WASSCE in 2015, so I applied to Legon (UG) that year and I wasn’t granted entry into the medicine, but I was granted entry into Bachelor of Pharmacy, so I did Pharmacy for a year there and then transferred to UCC to study medicine,” he said in a GTV interview. Since the news broke out, the freshly graduated medical doctor has been invited to meet various dignitaries including the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and Ghana’s Minister for Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum. Dr Cudjoe’s tenacity and determination is worth emulating.
Ghana’s Trustur named best democracy-affirming startup in Africa
FloodGates Limited’s Trustur from Ghana has won the award for the best democracy-affirming startup on the continent. The announcement was made on March 7, during the Africa Tech4Democracy Venture Day held at the University of Cape Town, a competition for startups that develop technologies to strengthen democratic principles and values. Trustur is a digital passport that allows users to confirm their identity just once and use it across multiple digital services. It is designed to be a borderless, convenient way to access a variety of accounts without the need to remember multiple passwords. Trustur, the identity verification service designed and developed by FloodGates, offers users a secure digital identity and simplifies access to government and other services, promoting inclusion. The other finalists included Deaftouch and Legal Standpoint from South Africa, Ongea na Demokrasia from Tanzania, and Uamuzi Foundation from Kenya. All five finalists will receive up to 150,000 USD in Microsoft cloud credits, free productivity software, GitHub Enterprise access, and mentoring from business and technical experts. In addition, Trustur will participate in the Tech4Democracy Global Final in Washington, D.C., at the end of March.
Ghana’s Josephine Anan-Ankomah is new Ecobank Kenya MD
Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) has announced the appointment of Josephine Anan-Ankomah as the Regional Executive for Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa (CESA) and Managing Director of Ecobank Kenya. Josephine, a Ghanaian career banker and a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, will lead and grow the bank’s business in Kenya and the wider CESA region, which constitutes 18 out of 33 Ecobank affiliates and one representative office. Anan-Ankomah has worked for the bank for the past 30 years in various senior capacities and is expected to bring her wealth of experience in treasury management, commercial banking, and investment banking to the role. She replaces Cheikh Travaly, who retired at the end of 2022, having attained the mandatory retirement age of 60 years, in accordance with Ecobank Group policy. Mrs. Josephine Anan-Ankomah earned a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS). She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Sociology from the University of Ghana and is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. Sharing her readiness to take up her new role, she wrote, “Looking forward to this new challenge and opportunity, as I work with the team to build the business in Kenya and the CESA region.”
