Ghana’s former Ambassador to the United States of America Dr. Adjei-Barwuah has stated that Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education is an approach to learning that “integrates the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and must be taken seriously as a country to achieve the necessary results needed as a nation.
According to him,through STEM education, students acquire critical and independent thinking skills, become creative and efficient problem solvers, and are empowered to “succeed and adapt to this changing world.
He stated that,the promise of STEM education is assuring (as the U.S., China and South Korea have shown us), and the government should rethink the Science, Technology and Innovation policy with a renewed focus on the “STEM-ification” of our education system.
“We need a STEM-focused education because we’re lagging behind in economic growth and development relative to other countries with equal opportunities. Malaysia, for example, was comparatively similar to Ghana (in economic status) at the time of their independence (on Aug. 31, 1957) from the British. However, our current economic status is far from similar” He added.
He made these remarks in Accra at the launch of WPI’s Institute of science and technology for development in Ghana.
Dr. Adjei-Barwuah, is currently a Professor and Distinguished Statesman in
Residence at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts,
USA. Before taking this position at WPI, he had served as Ambassador of
Ghana to the United States of America with concurrent Accreditation to
Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, Costa Rica and Dominican
Republic. His first Ambassadorial assignment was as Ambassador to Japan
with concurrent accreditation to Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and
Papua New Guinea.
Dr. Adjei-Barwuah previously served in the following capacities:
Development Advisor in the Learning and Skills Development Agency of
England, Head of Access and Development at London’s Hackney Adult
Education Institute; Senior Lecturer at Erith College of Technology in Bexley,
England; part-time Lecturer at the London Open College.
Dr. Adjei-Barwuah worked for eight years as the Executive Director of the
Ghana Tourist Board. He had previously served as a Lecturer and Research
Fellow at the University of Ghana. He was also a part-time Lecturer at the
United Nations Regional Population Institute in Accra, Ghana besides being
the host for a weekly discussion program on Ghana Television from 1972 to
- He served as the inaugural Dean of the Business School of African
University of Communications in Accra, Ghana.
Dr. Adjei-Barwuah earned BA (Geography) degree from the University of
Ghana, a Master of Science Degree from the University of WisconsinMilwaukee and a PhD from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.
He has a counselling qualification from London’s Centre of Advancement of
Counselling and owns a consultancy firm – Learning Works Consult- in Accra.
Story by:Kwaku Stephen
