Ghana’s President Praises African Centers of Excellence for Boosting Female STEM Enrollment
President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana has commended the African Centers of Excellence (ACE) for their outstanding efforts in increasing female enrollment in STEM education. The ACE program has achieved this through targeted scholarships, mentorship initiatives, and fostering institutional cultures that support women in scientific and technical careers.
The Importance of STEM Education for Women
President Mahama emphasized the need for academic institutions to promote gender-inclusive policies, expanding opportunities for women to thrive in STEM disciplines. This is crucial as women have been historically underrepresented in these fields. In fact, a UNESCO report found that girls and women face significant barriers in STEM education, including stereotypes, lack of role models, and limited access to resources ¹.
ACE’s Impact on Female Enrollment
The ACE program has made impressive strides in increasing female enrollment, offering:
Targeted Scholarships: Providing financial support to female students pursuing STEM education
Mentorship Initiatives: Pairing students with experienced professionals in their field
Institutional Culture Development: Creating an environment that supports and encourages women in STEM
Ghana’s Commitment to Regional Collaborations:
President Mahama assured that Ghana will continue to deepen regional collaborations in higher education and research, working with partners across the continent and beyond. The goal is to equip the next generation with technical and entrepreneurial skills to harness emerging technologies, drive local innovation, and position Africa as a competitive force in the fourth industrial revolution.
Key Takeaways
Increased Female Enrollment: ACE program has boosted female enrollment in STEM education.
Regional Collaborations: Ghana will continue to work with partners to advance higher education and research.
Future Focus: Equipping the next generation with skills to harness emerging technologies and drive local innovation
By promoting STEM education among women, Ghana and other African countries can unlock the potential of their youth and drive economic development through innovation and technology.
