By Nastain Ibn Saliu
Kete-Krachi (O/R), March 21, GNA - The national budget for 2025, unveiled by Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson, shows a strong dedication to bolstering Ghana’s education sector, allocating more than GHC30 billion toward educational advancement.
This budget places considerable emphasis on advancing STEM education and enhancing the digital skills infrastructure.
As reported by the Ghana News Agency (GNA), the government has allocated GH₵100 million for setting up Regional STEM Centers and another GH₵100 million to promote digital literacy and coding programs.
Additionally, six regional event centers of excellence will be built, and solar energy facilities will be set up at educational institutions situated within underprivileged areas.
The budget allocates GHC77 million to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as well as GHC33.6 million to the Ghana TVET Service.
The pre-university institutions emphasizing STEM subjects will be granted GHC703.2 million, whereas GHC85 million has been designated for enhancing human capital within the field.
When discussing the merits and demerits of the budget's strategy for STEM education with GNA, Mr. Benjamin Dwomoh-Doyen, who serves as the Executive Director at the African Chamber of Content Producers and COO of APRIL STEM, praised the administration’s clear initiatives aimed at providing Ghanaian youths with essential digital and programming abilities.
Nevertheless, he voiced reservations regarding the adequacy of the allocated amount.
"Although the funding allocated for STEM education demonstrates an intention, it remains quite modest when contrasted with the total GHC30 billion education budgets. The GH₵100 million earmarked for centers along with another GH₵100 million for coding programs only constitute minor portions of the entire budget," observed Mr. Benjamin.
He also pointed out a considerable shortfall in funding for research and innovation.
"Countries committed to advancing in STEM subjects significantly emphasize investment in research and innovation funding. Sadly, this budget fails to include significant allocations in that sector," he noted.
Mr. Benjamin similarly highlighted the lack of a defined implementation plan for the STEM programs.
"The budget mentions building STEM centers but does not specify how they will be outfitted, manned, and sustained. Up until now, the Ministry of Education has yet to provide a detailed execution strategy," he noted.
A major issue highlighted was the insufficient emphasis on STEM education in primary schools.
"Majority of the investments focus on secondary and tertiary educational institutions, resulting in primary schools being neglected. APRIL STEM has persistently promoted incorporating STEM education starting at the nursery school level. It’s essential to foster interest and abilities from a young age; however, this budget fails to meet that requirement sufficiently," stressed Mr. Benjamin.
To conclude, despite recognizing the government’s acknowledgment of the significance of STEM education, Mr. Benjamin emphasized that the allocated funding does not meet the required standards. He called upon the government to focus on implementing cutting-edge STEM curriculums starting from primary schools and incorporate STEM subjects across all educational disciplines.
He similarly urged African countries to revamp their educational frameworks, prioritizing STEM education to foster sustainable growth throughout the region.
GNA
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