The Minister of Education has reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming Ghana’s educational system with policies and the provision of infrastructure.

Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum said everything is being done to create opportunities for Ghanaian students who are required to be serious with their studies for a brighter future.

Speaking to students at the 6th University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) festival in Sunyani on Friday, Dr. Adutwum said, “There is no other aspect of education that is more relevant than STEAM. These are areas the President wants to strengthen to produce the requisite manpower in the transformation of Ghana”.

He emphasized that education in a developing country like Ghana should help students get or create jobs for the betterment of their family and the country, hence the need for STEAM education which he said has a huge demand.

“Government is committed to transforming education. We would do everything possible to create an opportunity for you. But when you get to senior high school, don’t go and play around”, he told the students and urged them to focus on their studies and become the best the world has ever known.

Dr. Adutwum, the Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe, who shared his personal life experience with the students, said he is who he is today because of education.

“Amid the global economic crises, Ghana is forging ahead, and eight universities are being built to create opportunities for you. If you are optimistic about Ghana, you would see opportunities. If you are pessimistic about Ghana, you would not even go and look for the opportunities”, he said.

UENR’s STEAM festival exposed over 400 students to some technologies in the field of STEAM, and also offered them the opportunities that exist in the University for their Career Progression.

The participating schools in the region were UENR Basic School, SDA SHS, Sunyani SHS, St. James Seminary SHS, Notre Dame Girls SHS, Don Bosco Vocational Institute, Methodist Vocational Institute, Sacred Heart SHS, Odumaseman SHS, and Twene Amanfo SHS.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Elvis Asare-Bediako, said the festival is also to encourage students to pursue courses in STEAM education which backs the government’s support for its role in the development of the country.

He hopes the government’s plans to develop the Nsoatre campus of UENR in 2023 will be a reality to help absorb more students.

“The process is ongoing. There is a very good sign that the construction of the new campus at Nsoatre will happen. We don’t want to preempt, but we hope that with the commitment of the Ministries of Education and Finance, and the Presidency, by the middle of next year, the project will be a reality”.

The Minister of Education earlier addressed the Bono Regional House of Chiefs in Sunyani, where he explained some policies on education and educational infrastructure projects in the region.

Dormaahene and President of the Bono Regional House of chiefs, Osagyefo Oseadeayo Agyemang Badu II, appealed for speedy actions to address the inadequate educational infrastructure affecting access and quality of education, at the basic and secondary levels, and the two public tertiary institutions in the region – UENR and Sunyani Technical University.

He further urged the Minister to liaise with the Health Minister, as directed by the President, on the proposed elevation of the Bono Regional Hospital to a teaching hospital.

The Bono Regional house of chiefs presented a citation of honor to Dr. Adutwum for his progressive and insightful steering of education in Ghana.