Professor Elsie Effah Kauffman, Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana, has called for increased government support to expand Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education across Ghana.

She emphasised the need for sustained investment in STEM schools to enhance women’s participation in the field.

Speaking at the Annual Impact and Roundtable Discussion on STEM education, Prof Kauffman urged the Mahama administration to prioritise continuous funding and development of STEM programmes.

“We need more than encouragement; we need the resources and opportunities that will allow women to succeed in STEM,” said Prof Kauffman. “Government support is vital to ensuring this becomes a reality.”

She also warned that the politicisation of STEM could undermine progress. "We must stay focused on long-term goals and resist the distractions of political agendas," Kauffman cautioned.

The Country Director for UNESCO revealed plans to introduce initiatives aimed at encouraging more women to pursue STEM careers. These efforts, according to UNESCO, will focus on creating a more inclusive environment and address the barriers limiting women’s access to STEM education.

"Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where women see STEM as an attainable and rewarding career path," N’Guessan stated.

The call for action comes amid growing concerns about the under-representation of women in STEM fields, with stakeholders advocating for a collective approach to close the gender gap.