STEM: Ghana’s Human Resource to Become a Major Export Earner – Gabby
Gabby Otchere-Darko, a prominent figure in Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP), has predicted that the country’s investment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education will soon make its skilled workforce a key contributor to national export earnings. Speaking at an education and innovation forum, he highlighted the government’s focus on STEM as a transformative strategy for economic growth.
Otchere-Darko explained that the global demand for STEM professionals presents Ghana with an opportunity to train and export highly skilled talent. He pointed to ongoing efforts, such as the establishment of STEM-focused schools and improvements to technical institutions, as crucial steps in preparing Ghanaian youth for the international job market.
He noted that Ghana could emulate countries like India and the Philippines, which have successfully built their economies by exporting skilled human resources. “We’re moving beyond traditional exports like cocoa and gold to prioritize human capital as a significant economic asset,” he said.
Otchere-Darko also stressed the importance of collaboration between the private sector and educational institutions to enhance STEM training and create opportunities for young people. He encouraged businesses to invest in programs that equip students with practical skills.
He expressed confidence that with sustained focus on STEM education, Ghana could reduce unemployment, increase foreign exchange earnings, and establish itself as a global hub for skilled labor in science and technology fields