The Space Science Systems Research Institute (SSSRI) has signed an agreement with Ahantaman Girls Senior High School to design a rescue-assistance robot to assist rescue mission teams during disasters.

The project, which is set to be led by students of the School with assistance from SSSRI and teachers, is in response to the recent explosion at Appiatse and the frequent collapse of buildings and fire outbreaks in the country.

The robot, when completed, will be capable of assisting rescue mission teams to identify the location of victims trapped in such disasters and also indicate whether the victim is dead or alive.

The project which was launched during the commemoration of the 2022 UN Day for Women and Girls in Science at the School's campus is to inspire the young girls that they can do anything when they set their minds on it.

Addressing the gathering, the Headmistress of the School, Ernie Kankam, indicated that the role women and girls play in the transformational agenda of the nation cannot be underestimated.

“This day recognises the critical role of women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education to the transformational agenda of the globe. Empowering the girl child in science is vital for the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

“In order to encourage our girls that they can do anything with much determination and as part of our contribution to solving societal challenges, our girls, with assistance from SSSRI, will design a robot capable of assisting rescue mission teams to identify victims whether dead or alive during disasters,” she explained.

On his part, the President of SSSRI, Dr. Manfred Quarshie, reiterated the need for a shift in the pedagogical approach to helping students understand the principles and procedures underlying scientific approaches.

“Our goal is that through demonstrations, conversations and engaging in hands-on practical base experiments presented by experts in STEM education, young girls will become empowered, cultivate confidence, and develop a deeper understanding that everything is possible in life and in the world.”

Ghana has persistent inequities in access, participation, and success in STEM subjects that exist along socio-economic, gender, and geographic lines, as well as among students with disabilities.

“These long-standing biases and gender stereotypes are scaring women and girls away from science related fields. In order to achieve full and equal access in the participation in science for women and girls, much investment needs to be made to achieve that goal; hence, our commitment to sponsor and assist Ahantaman Girls SHS to design the robot at cost of $10,000,” Dr. Quarshie added.

He also added that apart from cultivating students’ interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and developing among them a solid knowledge base, SSSRI aims to strengthen students’ ability to integrate and apply knowledge and skills across different STEM disciplines

This will help them to nurture their creativity and problem-solving skills, as well as foster their innovation and entrepreneurial spirit as required in the 21st century.