The former Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for the Bosomtwe constituency, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum has urged the government to direct more attention and investment toward Basic Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (Basic STEM) education, just as it has done for mainstream STEM initiatives.
In an interview on Happy 98.9 FM’s Epa Hoa Daben show with Bismark Brown, Dr. Adutwum responded to questions about why the previous NPP government appeared to focus solely on advanced STEM programs, seemingly overlooking foundational education.
He explained that before the NPP left office, they had already introduced a Basic STEM (B-STEM) program aimed at training children from early childhood, starting at kindergarten through to higher levels of education.
Dr. Adutwum noted that the government collaborated with a UK-based organization to develop mobile laboratories, which are smaller than the standard STEM labs but serve a similar purpose.
These mobile labs are currently available at the Accra STEM Academy and Accra High School, both of which support schools participating in the Basic STEM initiative.
He emphasized that Basic STEM is a crucial initiative that must be sustained and expanded. Drawing on Malcolm Gladwell’s “Ten Thousand Hour Rule,” Dr. Adutwum highlighted how global icons like Serena Williams, Tiger Woods, and Bill Gates began their journeys in early childhood.
He pointed out that Tiger Woods started playing golf as a child and rose to global fame through consistent practice and early exposure.
Dr. Adutwum stressed the importance of investing in Basic STEM education from the earliest stages, nursery kindergarten to nurture the next generation of innovators and global leaders.
By: Nana Antwi Boasiako
