Dr. Clement Apaak and Education Stakeholders Call for Scaled Investment in Ghana’s STEM and Numeracy Education

Ghana’s Ministry of Education and key educational stakeholders are advocating for a strategic increase in investment toward numeracy and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education to secure the nation’s future development. This call for action was highlighted across two major events: the fifth National Abacus Competition and the 2026 Ghana Science and Technology Explorer Prize (GSTEP) Exhibition and Awards. Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, and other officials emphasized that providing resources, mentorship, and opportunities for young innovators is essential for Ghana to tackle real-world challenges through technology and creative problem-solving.

At the National Abacus Competition, organized by Brainest EduCare Limited in partnership with World Access, approximately 2,000 pupils from over 100 schools demonstrated exceptional skills in mental arithmetic, coding, and robotics. Mr. Isaac Atta Baah of the Ministry of Education noted a significant disparity in the attention given to literacy versus numeracy, urging for a more balanced approach. The event, themed “Smart Minds, Smart Future: The Power of Abacus in STEM,” also highlighted a shifting demographic in academic excellence; girls dominated the awards, prompting calls for balanced educational interventions to ensure boys are not left behind. The competition’s growing prestige was evidenced by the participation of contestants from the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, with over 500 awards presented to recognize young talent.

Simultaneously, the 2026 GSTEP Exhibition at the University of Ghana served as a platform for Dr. Apaak to reaffirm the government’s commitment to integrating coding, robotics, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the national curriculum. He encouraged students to remain resilient and curious, asserting that the future of Ghana depends on the innovative ideas of its youth. Complementing this vision, 20 young leaders recently graduated from the GSTEP Youth Steering Group at the Aknac Hotel. These graduates, representing various regions, underwent intensive training in leadership and STEM advocacy, preparing them to serve as ambassadors of change who will promote scientific education within their local communities.

As Ghana continues to reform its educational landscape, the consensus among officials and private partners is that numeracy and STEM literacy are the bedrocks of modern economic growth. By fostering an environment where young innovators are supported by both government initiatives and private sector resources, stakeholders aim to build a workforce capable of driving the fourth industrial revolution. The success of these recent competitions and leadership programs underscores a growing interest in mental arithmetic and technology-driven education, marking a critical step toward achieving a "smart future" for the next generation of Ghanaian students.