Accra:: Mr Emmanuel Kwesi Lawer, the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Upper Manya Krobo, has distributed Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) equipment to about 15 Basic Schools in the district to improve practical teaching and learning. The beneficiary schools include Asesewa D/A, Asesewa Islamic, Akurmesu D/A, Akateng D/A, Anyaboni R/C, Anyaboni D/A, Akadjajete D/A, Akokoma D/A Complex, Akohia Anglican, Bartokorpe D/A, Adensu D/A, Bormase Hwenya and Akotoe Kyereboanarh.
According to Ghana News Agency, the consignment featured laptops, science kits, robots, scientific calculators, teacher board equipment, projectors, pen drives, reagents, hydrochloric acid and other chemicals, as well as assorted laboratory tools. Mr Lawer stated that the initiative formed part of President Mahama's agenda to modernise Ghana's education system with practical, technology-driven STEM learning. He emphasized that science and mathematics required continuous practice and that students struggled when concepts were taught without supporting tools. "When devices and equipment are used, it becomes easier for them to understand," he said.
Lawer pointed out that teaching STEM subjects without practical materials made lessons less engaging, prompting the government's decision to equip schools to facilitate hands-on learning. He mentioned the district's previous low performance in STEM subjects, expressing confidence that the new equipment would help improve results in internal and final examinations. The DCE also highlighted that the District Assembly would monitor school management committees to ensure proper maintenance of the devices.
Adensu D/A Basic School Headmaster, Baah Isaac Tetteh, expressed that the lack of learning devices had long hampered effective instruction. With the new equipment, he said, teachers expected stronger performance in science and mathematics because the materials cover multiple learning areas. He projected that BECE results could rise to between 90 and 100 percent.
The Upper Manya Krobo STEM Coordinator, Nicholas K. Teye, remarked that the tools would significantly enhance STEM teaching and learning. He noted that some parts of the district were under-resourced and that the availability of equipment would help make science lessons more practical and enjoyable, potentially increasing school enrolment. He added that previous limited supplies of STEM tools in the district had already boosted BECE performance over the past five years, and further improvements were expected with the new intervention.
Residents in several beneficiary communities expressed hope that the equipment would spark greater interest in science-related subjects and equip their children with skills needed for future academic and career development.