Chief Executive Officer of VODEC Africa, Daniel Asomani, has issued a passionate call for Ghana to wage a “war against ignorance” by prioritising Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education with the urgency of a nation in crisis.

Speaking at the 2025 National Emerging Leaders Economic Forum (NELEF) in Accra, Mr. Asomani said Ghana’s slow progress in technological innovation poses a threat to its future competitiveness and economic independence.

“STEM must be treated as a national emergency — a war we must win if we are to secure our place in the global economy,” he declared.

A Nation Falling Behind

Mr. Asomani warned that Ghana risks being left behind in the global race for scientific and technological advancement.

He noted that only about 20 per cent of tertiary students in Ghana are enrolled in STEM programs, compared to between 30 per cent and 43 per cent in Asian economies that have leveraged science and technology to achieve rapid development.

“This STEM gap is not just a statistic, it’s a barrier to progress,” he said. “If we fail to act now, we risk condemning our next generation to play catch-up in a world driven by innovation.”

A Call for a National Crusade

He called for a nationwide effort to promote STEM education at all levels, beginning from primary school through to tertiary institutions.

Mr. Asomani proposed the establishment of specialized universities focused on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and biotechnology.

He also advocated for a complete transformation of how STEM subjects are taught, emphasising hands-on learning, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving over rote memorization.

The event, which drew influential leaders including Apostle Dr. Christian Tsekpoe, underscored the potential for cross-sector collaboration to drive Ghana’s STEM agenda forward.

Investing in a Future of Innovation

Mr. Asomani’s message was a rallying call to government, the private sector, and civil society to invest heavily in STEM infrastructure and mentorship programs to nurture future innovators.

“The war against ignorance is one Ghana cannot afford to lose,” he stressed. “Our survival in the 21st century depends on how boldly we invest in knowledge, science, and technology.”

The NELEF 2025 forum concluded with a renewed call for policymakers to align national education priorities with global innovation trends to build a resilient, knowledge-based economy.