It appears that senior high school (SHS) non-science students in Ghana have historically had few opportunities for studying science-related subjects at the collegiate level.
To reverse this tendency and enable non-science students to pursue STEM-related subjects in higher education, the Education Ministry is now taking action.
These findings were made by the Ghana Science Tech Explorer Prize (GSTEP) organisers when they visited the Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, in Accra.
The high school system in Ghana is highly intriguing, and there are around seven options available to pupils. One or more of the seven will pursue a career in home economics, general arts, history, government, or any combination of those.
When you decide to study science, some people won't let you alter your mind. You're set after junior high school. All you do is attend high school.
"You cannot then declare that you have had an epiphany and wish to become a computer engineer at a university. They claim you're stuck since you didn't study science, he said.
Some GSTEP challenge competitors are interested in pursuing a variety of non-science careers, including law, fashion design, and the arts, to name a few.
They had a keen interest in technology as well.
This is why the sector minister disclosed that steps have been taken to provide students the option to select courses that are relevant to their future jobs.
He continued by saying that colleges will be encouraged to provide STEM courses with scholarships and other rewards. He thinks that the project will reorient the educational system to accommodate the expanding demands of the labour market.
"Some individuals are not very welcoming when you introduce innovation. So I made the decision to use funds and do it the American way. I utilise rewards to encourage individuals to make changes.
"We chose two institutions, and they are performing well. This year, they opened level 100 engineering schools in all areas of engineering, including computer engineering, and they graduated their first class of pre-engineering students. So, he said, "We want to push the limits.
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