The Ghana Young Academy (GhYA) is encouraging students to see science and engineering not just as academic subjects but as practical tools for solving some of the country’s most pressing challenges.
Dr. Latifatu Mohammed, Co-Chair of the Ghana Young Academy, said young people must begin to view scientific knowledge and engineering skills as pathways to innovation and national development.
She made the remarks during an outreach programme at Kwabenya Community Senior High School in Accra to mark World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development.
According to Dr. Mohammed, science and engineering remain central to tackling both global and local challenges such as climate change, infrastructure deficits, healthcare innovation and the growing demand for digital transformation.
She told the students that engineering is not only about technical formulas but also about creativity and problem-solving.
“Engineering is fundamentally about creativity, curiosity and the courage to ask questions about how we can make things work better and improve lives,” she said.
Dr. Mohammed encouraged the students not to shy away from subjects such as mathematics and science, which many often consider difficult, but rather see them as opportunities to develop solutions to everyday problems in society.
The outreach programme formed part of the academy’s efforts to promote interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among young people.
It brought together scientists, educators and students for a range of activities designed to demonstrate the practical side of engineering and scientific innovation.
These included an engineering talk, a STEM quiz competition and robotics demonstrations, all aimed at exposing students to how science and technology can be applied in real-world settings.
Hajia Rahinatu Yakubu Salifu, Headmistress of Kwabenya Community Senior High School, welcomed the initiative and commended the Ghana Young Academy for selecting the school to host the programme.
She noted that World Engineering Day, which is observed globally on March 4 each year, highlights the critical role engineers play in building infrastructure, improving water and sanitation systems and advancing innovation in society.
According to her, events that bring professionals and scientists directly to schools can have a lasting impact on students.
“Opportunities like this help build confidence and expose students to future careers in science and engineering,” she said.
The programme also featured a STEM quiz competition where students tested their knowledge of engineering and scientific concepts. Winners of the competition received cash prizes and certificates.
Students were further introduced to emerging technologies through a robotics demonstration, which allowed them to observe how engineering principles are applied in modern technological solutions.
Members and alumni of the Ghana Young Academy led the sessions, supported by scientists from the CSIR–Institute of Industrial Research.
Partners including Firefly and the Joyful Journey Career Counselling and Mentorship Institute also facilitated discussions and interacted with the students, offering guidance on potential career paths in science and engineering.
The Ghana Young Academy, the youth arm of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, focuses on promoting science outreach, research collaboration and policy engagement while supporting the next generation of researchers and innovators in the country.
