In this post you will find some of the most important developments in Ghana STEM news over the last week. Even if you aren’t a scientist, each of these tells something about how science, tech, engineering and mathematics are shaping Ghana’s future. You can follow our social media pages for more up to date posts, relevant STEM content, events and opportunities (Facebook – X – Instagram)
1. Government to Construct a B-STEM Facility in the Northern Region
Source: Accra News Online — “Gov’t to Construct B-STEM Facility in Northern Region – Haruna Iddrisu” (Accra news online)
The Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, announced the construction of a Basic Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (B-STEM) facility in the Northern Region. This facility will include modern lab equipment, robotics kits, coding tools, and interactive learning platforms. It’s backed by a partnership, including funding from UK development cooperation agencies. (Accra news online)
Why this matters:
- It strengthens foundational STEM education in a region that has often had fewer resources.
- By introducing hands-on tools like robotics, it helps students move beyond theory into practical skills.
- This is the sort of project that can help reduce regional disparities in education quality.
- It’s directly part of Ghana STEM news, pointing toward more equal access to STEM for all children.
2. KNUST Launches Ghana Photonics & Optics Laboratory (GPOL)
Source: KNUST / University Relations Office — “KNUST Launches Ghana Photonics and Optics Laboratory to Boost Research and Innovation” (KNUST)
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology has opened a new Photonics and Optics Lab (GPOL). The lab is intended for research, industry collaboration, training in photonics & optics, and innovation. It is supported by SPIE, ICFO, Europhotonics, Photonics Ghana, and others. (KNUST)
Why this matters:
- Photonics and optics are key technologies in areas like communications, sensing, medicine (imaging), and renewable energy.
- GPOL could help Ghana and West Africa become more self-sufficient in advanced tech, reducing need to import.
- It means students and researchers will have better facilities, boosting quality of research and innovation.
- Represents a strengthening of infrastructure in Ghana STEM news.
3. New STEM Curriculum for Senior High Technical Schools (SHTS) Set for This Year
Source: Graphic Online — “New SHTS, STEM curriculum out this year — President Mahama” (Graphic Online)
His Excellency President John Mahama, announced that a fully updated STEM curriculum for Senior High Technical Schools (SHTS) and STEM Schools will be implemented this year. This includes reforms in curriculum content, inclusion of technical and vocational education, and standardizing programs. (Graphic Online)
Why this matters:
- It updates what students learn so that it aligns more with current technologies and workforce needs.
- Helps ensure technical and STEM schools are producing graduates ready for modern jobs.
- It also reflects policy commitment to STEM education, which is key in many Ghana STEM news stories.
4. Govt Allocates GHS 50 Million to National Research Fund
Source: Citi Newsroom — “Govt allocates GHS50m to national research fund to boost innovation” (CitiNewsroom.com)
Ghana’s government has set aside GHS 50 million for the National Research Fund—for funding high-impact research in science, technology, agriculture, and innovation. (CitiNewsroom.com)
Why this matters:
- Money matters: many promising science and tech ideas fail due to lack of funding. This gives researchers more breathing room.
- It shows political will to invest in innovation, not just education but research.
- Could support local solutions to Ghana’s challenges (environment, health, agriculture).
5. Study: Generative AI Tool for Teacher Education (Localized)
Source: arXiv preprint — “Glocalizing Generative AI in Education for the Global South: The Design Case of 21st Century Teacher Educator AI for Ghana” (arXiv)
What happened:
A team from Ghana published work on a Generative AI tool tailored for pre-service teachers, aligning with local curricula, languages (like Twi etc.), and cultural contexts. The tool helps with lecture notes, assessments, and other teaching resources. (arXiv)
Why this matters:
- Many AI tools are generic and may not work well in specific local contexts; this one is built with Ghanaian realities in mind.
- Can improve teacher training, quality of education downstream.
- Helps bridge digital divides—if access is made fair.
6. Validation of Rainfall Products for Better Climate / Agriculture Planning
Source: arXiv preprint — “Validation of Satellite and Reanalysis Rainfall Products in Ghana and Zambia” (arXiv)
What happened:
Researchers evaluated several rainfall estimation models/products (satellite and reanalysis) for Ghana and Zambia, measuring how well they match ground observations especially in terms of detecting rainfall amounts, intensity, and seasonal patterns. They found that some products (especially those that integrate local station data) performed better, but all had limits, particularly at predicting very heavy rains. (arXiv)
Why this matters:
- Accurate rainfall data is essential for agriculture, flood prediction, disaster preparedness, water resources.
- For smallholder farmers, having more reliable forecasts helps plan planting, reduce risk.
- Also relevant for climate resilience planning.
7. Women Oyster Farmers in Coastal Ghana Fight to Preserve Tradition
Source: AP News — “In coastal Ghana, female oyster farmers try to save an old practice threatened by climate change” (AP News)
In Tsokomey, a coastal Ghanaian community, female oyster farmers face challenges due to environmental change (e.g. sea-level rise, damaged mangroves), reduced yields, and less institutional support. They are replanting mangroves, adopting sustainable harvesting, and advocating for help. (AP News)
Why this matters:
- It connects environment, livelihoods, culture. Many coastal communities depend on oysters and mangroves.
- Shows real, local impacts of climate change.
- Women are often most affected; their responses (like mangrove restoration) are examples of local innovation and adaptation.
8. KNUST Startup Peellnnova Sweeps National and Global Awards for Eco-Friendly Mosquito Repellent Innovation
Source: KNUST
Peellnnova Limited Company, a student-founded startup from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi continues to make waves both locally and internationally with its innovative mosquito-repelling products made from fruit peel and wood waste.
Why this matters:
- Peellnnova uses what is often seen as agricultural or food waste (fruit peels, wood waste) to make something of high value (mosquito repellent).
- That this is a student-founded startup (within a university ecosystem) shows that young scientists and engineers in Ghana are not just passive learners
- By winning awards on the global stage, Peellnnova is exposing Ghanaian innovation to international networks.
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