Education Minister Celebrates Student Creations at 2024 STEMNNOVATION
Obuasi Senior High School triumphed as the overall winner, receiving a cash prize of 50,000 Ghana cedis, two laptops, and additional accolades
- Dr. Adutwum emphasizes the critical role of student-led innovations
- The government plans to connect students with companies for grant funding
- Obuasi Senior High School wins the competition
Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Minister for Education, has praised the groundbreaking technologies displayed at the 2024 STEMNNOVATION Competition.
He highlighted that these student-led STEM projects could play a pivotal role in advancing the government’s industrialization goals.
“In our nation, we must consider how industrialization can reshape our future. We often discuss it, but without innovators, how can we realize this vision? This is why I advocate for the integration of TVET and STEM. What we’ve witnessed today marks a vital step towards our economic growth. I am optimistic that these young innovators will lead the way,” Dr. Adutwum stated.
In a conversation during the event, he shared the government’s intention to link these talented students with companies that can provide grants to help commercialize their innovations. He emphasized the need for a framework where businesses can financially support the development of these ideas, benefiting both students and educational institutions.
Regarding concerns about patent protection, Dr. Adutwum assured attendees that through collaborations with grant-offering companies, these innovations would be safeguarded during the commercialization phase.
“With grant funding, these companies will take care of patenting, ensuring the originality of the concepts. West Africa is a vast market, and I truly believe that with the right backing, these young innovators can create meaningful change in our world,” he added.
The third day of the 2024 STEMNNOVATION was held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), featuring presentations from students across the nation in four categories: Environmental Sustainability, Digital Technology, Sustainable Energy, and Food Sovereignty.
A total of 56 schools participated, including Presbyterian Boys Senior High School, Obuasi Senior High School, Dabokpa Senior Technical School, and Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ Senior High School.
Obuasi Senior High School triumphed as the overall winner, receiving a cash prize of 50,000 Ghana cedis, two laptops, and additional accolades.
Dabokpa Senior Technical School secured second place, followed by Yaa Asantewaa Girls in third, and Presbyterian Boys in fourth.
All schools ranked in the top 20 received cash prizes ranging from 50,000 to 10,000 Ghana cedis to further support their innovative projects.
