The Coalition of Organisations in STEM (COS), a newly established alliance, has called on the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu to prioritise collaboration with local stakeholders to revolutionise STEM education in Ghana.

The group, comprising private entities, non-governmental organisations, and advocates in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEM/STEAM), highlighted the government’s failure to seek their input in uplifting STEM education.

The coalition notes that despite the focus on STEM by the erstwhile Akufo-Addo government, there was limited engagement with local STEM experts to elevate science and technology education in Ghana.

The lack of collaboration, according to the STEM advocates, hindered opportunities for innovation, job creation and the development of a self-sustaining STEM ecosystem.

In a statement, the coalition wants the NDC government to enhance collaboration with the local STEM team.

“We humbly pray that your leadership does not repeat this mistake from your predecessors,” the statement read.

The COS notes the country’s intensified efforts in advancing STEM education, but anticipates more investments to unearth the untapped potentials in Ghana’s educational system to bolster the local STEM economy.

The group is positive of the benefits of STEM to Ghana’s educational landscape.

“We recognize that education devoid of innovation can become a liability rather than an asset to our economy. COS is fully aligned with the Minister’s vision to ensure that no Ghanaian child regardless of their background, gender, location or financial means should be left behind in STEM education, from primary through tertiary levels,” the statement read.

The coalition is convinced 21st-century STEM solutions, crafted by Ghanaians for Ghanaians, should be made central to educational reform to foster a sustainable, innovation-driven economy.

“Over the years, our coalition members have positively impacted hundreds of thousands of students through strategic partnerships and innovative STEM programs. Our collective expertise uniquely positions us to enhance STEM education by providing practical, scalable solutions that align with national educational objectives,” the statement read.

In addressing the challenge of collaboration between the government and local experts, the COS stresses their availability to engage and assist the government to create an avenue for local STEM sector players to transform STEM education delivery from the primary level.

This, they believe, would create more jobs for Ghanaian youth and contribute to the 24-hour economy in local STEM design, tool manufacturing, training, and mentorship.

“By integrating local expertise and resources, we can establish an inclusive and effective educational framework that enhances learning outcomes while driving national development. We earnestly urge the Minister to actively engage with our coalition and other innovative and effective organisations paving the way in Ghanaian STEM to co-develop and implement innovative STEM initiatives tailored to Ghana’s unique educational needs,” they stated.

The statement concluded, “Together, we can cultivate a robust STEM ecosystem that empowers the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers, while creating jobs for Ghanaians under your leadership. We are counting on your guidance to help realign educational training and capacity building to meet current global trends in the interest of our younger generation”.