Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Apaak Urges Increased Investment in Young Innovators at 2026 GSTEP Awards

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has made a passionate plea for enhanced investment in Ghana's young innovators, describing their potential as the bedrock of the nation’s future development. Speaking at the 2026 Ghana Science and Technology Explorer Prize (GSTEP) Exhibition and Awards held at the University of Ghana, Dr. Apaak underscored the government’s commitment to transforming the educational landscape through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). He emphasized that the growth of the nation depends on the ability of the youth to harness innovation to solve pressing national and global challenges. He highlighted the importance of providing opportunities, mentorship, and resources to ensure Ghanaian students can compete on a global stage.

During the event, the Deputy Minister detailed the Ministry of Education's strategic focus on integrating advanced technologies into the national curriculum, specifically naming coding, robotics, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as critical components. By providing students with the necessary tools, the Ministry aims to foster a culture of creativity and practical problem-solving. Dr. Apaak urged students to remain curious and resilient, noting that their ideas are essential for driving Ghana's economic and social progress. He further called on both the government and the private sector to collaborate more closely in providing the infrastructure and financial support needed to scale youth-led innovations from the classroom to the real world.

Complementing the awards ceremony, a significant milestone was reached as twenty young leaders graduated from the GSTEP Youth Steering Group at the Aknac Hotel. These graduates, representing various regions across Ghana, completed intensive training in leadership, communication, and STEM advocacy. The ceremony, attended by families and facilitators, celebrated the personal growth and confidence of the participants. These graduates are now set to serve as ambassadors for STEM education within their respective communities, acting as change-makers who will encourage their peers to embrace scientific inquiry and technological development.

The dual celebrations of the GSTEP Awards and the Youth Steering Group graduation signal a robust momentum for STEM education in Ghana. As these young innovators and leaders step into their roles, the call for sustained investment remains paramount to ensure their projects transition into viable solutions for national development. Dr. Apaak concluded by reiterating that the journey for these students is only just beginning, with the Ministry of Education dedicated to ensuring that every young Ghanaian has the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s technological advancement and long-term prosperity.