The government, as part of efforts to improve the teaching of science, technology, innovation and mathematics (STEM), is training some 9000 basic schoolteachers across the country.

In addition, 4,400 basic schools across the country are being equipped with STEM teaching aids.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, made this known on Wednesday when he hosted the Presbyterian Senior High School (PRESCE), winners of the 2020 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ), to the Jubilee House.

According to him, the construction of 20 STEM centres across the country would commence soon with the project also including the supply and installation of educational equipment and training of teachers and instructors.

“The Ministry of Education and Ministry of Environment, Science , Technology and innovation have stepped up efforts to develop a potent science, technology, innovation and mathematics (STEM) education model for Ghana that will stimulate the interest of pupils and students in engineering, science and technology right from the basic level.

“It is the aim of government to roll more science students so as to achieve our initial target of 60 per cent science students in our technical institutions,” President Akufo-Addo said.

Winners

The 2020 winning team of PRESEC, together with their teachers and organisers of the NSMQ, were in the Jubilee House to present their sixth trophy to the President.

Undisputed kings

The President, who shared fond memories of his Presbyterian upbringing congratulated the team and urged them to strive for greater heights.

He said he was really proud of the team especially that they were the first batch of beneficiaries of the Free Senior High School policy to have won the trophy after 10 years.

“The Odadee impressed the whole nation with their performance in the competition. You were second last year and you have gone a step further this year to the ultimate position. So, I applaud the contestants Isaac Kofi Gyamfi, Benjamin Nketiah and perhaps the most famous of them all Daniel Kekeli Gakpetor and the reserved player, Faith Cyril, for ensuring trophy number six came finally to PRESEC.

“Indeed having gone nearly a decade without winning a trophy, it is entirely fitting that the Akufo-Addo gradaunds i.e. the first batch of beneficiaries of the Free SHS policy were the once to have ended PRESEC trophy draught. So, I also share in your success,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo also reiterated that PRESEC has become one of the best senior high schools “if not the best” in the country.

“Indeed, winning the sixth title means that you are now the undisputed kings of the national science and maths quiz. As an honorary Odadee, I am proud of this achievement,” he added.

The President further congratulated past and present management, teaching and non-teaching staff, alumini and students of the school.

He also expressed appreciation to the organisers of the quiz, Prime Time Limited for their continued efforts to make the teaching and learning of science and maths exciting.