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Revolutionising STEM education among SHS students …Nana Afrah Sika Mensah’s passion
● Nana Afrah Sika Mensah
It is without doubt, that harnessing the expertise and techniques of students in second-cycle institutions is a requisite for building a buoyant nation which has the potency of making a resilient economy.
The Spectator, in this week’s profile, has spotted a phenomenal woman whose interest in the area of education, is to help students in senior high schools churn out innovative and inventive modules while studying science, technology and its related programmes.
some students
Nana Afrah Sika Mensah, Deputy Coordinator for Free SHS is a public official who is passionately increasing awareness and making a paradigm shift to enhance the interest of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics among SHS students to help in improving the technological advancement of Ghana.
The Deputy Coordinator during the exclusive interview, underscored the need for more investment in the field of STEM education because there are myriad of opportunities for the students offering such programmes.
STEM, a gateway to socio-economic development
Nana Afrah with a voice of optimism told The Spectator, STEM was an essential tool that has a significant impact on the socio-economic advancement of the country which tasks students to invent mind-boggling technologies for the benefit of all.
According to the change agent, it is very crucial to imbibe technical know-how to SHS students in order to help them manufacture technological tools and devices while in school to impact society through the innovations created.
The Deputy Coordinator explained that, the Free SHS Secretariat of the Ministry of Education ‘STEMNNOVATION’ contest introduced this year, witnessed Senior High/Technical, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions battle the supremacy of bringing out best projects.
The practical contest, she indicated, touched on three thematic areas including Coding and Programming for socio-economic development, Recycling for socio-economic development and Solar for socio-economic development.
In awe-amazement, Nana Afrah told The Spectator that she was marvelled by the projects undertaken by the students intended to solve societal problems.
Empowerment/ Supporting girls in STEM
The activist of STEM education among women debunked the assertion that the “woman’s place is in the kitchen” and described it as an archaic cliché which cannot be uttered in this modern era of technological advancement.
Nana Afrah encouraged female students to venture into areas of STEM because it is a possible field where girls can equally perform as their male counterparts and the opportunities available are also the same for females to also tap into.
The activist was hopeful that there would be a lot of women venturing into STEM in Ghana with the aid of the ‘STEMNNOVATION’ contest which would automatically dismantle barriers associated with gender gaps in the aforementioned areas.
“We would integrate STEM programmes right from the early stages and make it appealing for all especially girls by boosting their morale through merit and performance,” she reiterated the commitment of the Free SHS Secretariat.
She added that women in STEM can also offer a personal input on existing social issues that can be ridden with the help of science and technology innovations.
“Let’s defy all odds by overcoming obstacles that may pose itself in any form and stay focused to achieve our aspirations with determination and be careful about actions you take at this formative stage because it can make and unmake you,” the STEM advocate made this ardent call.
Motivation/Appreciation
Though Nana Afrah hilariously said “Education is in my genes,” she owed gratitude to the Education Minister and his Deputy for their staunch support by making her execute great mandates at the Free SHS Secretariat.
Her motivation spans from seeing students have education to the fullest without any hindrance and seeing children blossom to be responsible citizens in the society.
She expressed gratitude to all staff of the Free SHS Secretariat for their indefatigable hardworking nature to make a feat in all projects embarked by the secretariat.
“Let’s give a standing ovation to my parents, Mr and Mrs Mensah, for their phenomenal support and motivation which has brought me this far to serve with passion and help unleash talents among the young students,” she said.
She expressed profound appreciation to all her loved ones for the encouragement and motivation they give her.
Nana Afrah’s Journey of being a distinguished Educationist
Her enthusiasm of being an educationist stems from her fondness of seeing children become useful citizens in future.
That, nevertheless, Nana Afrah chronicled her dream of being an educationist by enrolling at the Holy Child College of Education at Sekondi-Takoradi in the Western Region where she read Diploma in Education.
The determined lady later proceeded to the University of Education, Winneba where she completed with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and with the aim of putting herself on a higher pedestal, she went to China’s North East Normal University and bagged a Master’s in Educational Management, Leadership and Policy.
She rose through the ranks as a teacher and occupied administrative roles in the education field to become the Deputy Coordinator for Free SHS and still making significant impacts with her portfolio.
Interests
Nana Afrah is a Christian by religion and an Adventist who as usual cannot hide her love for music which soothes her at leisure hours but unfortunately cannot dance and only dances well while sitting.
The ampesi, banku, and fufu lover takes delight in seeing progress in students’ educational level and helping build a buoyant nation.
By Alfred Nii Arday Ankrah
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Is the “Rev” title biblical?
In many Ghanaian churches, pastors are often introduced as “Reverend” or simply “Rev.”
The title is seen as a mark of respect, yet its biblical basis continues to stir debate.
While some Christians argue that it is a harmless way to honour church leaders, others insist it is unbiblical and should not be used at all.
Those who question the title usually point to the Bible itself. Nowhere in Scripture did Jesus or the apostles use “Reverend” for themselves or for one another.
Instead, they addressed each other as “brother” or “servant.” In Matthew 23, Jesus even warned his followers not to seek titles such as “rabbi” or “father,” teaching that all believers are equal under one God.
Critics also note that Psalm 111:9 describes God’s name alone as “holy and reverend” in the King James Bible.
To them, this means the word should be reserved for God, not for human beings. Others go further, citing Job 32, which cautions against giving flattering titles to men.
For such voices, the modern use of “Reverend” risks elevating pastors beyond what the Bible prescribes.
On the other hand, defenders of the title argue that it is not meant to replace God’s reverence but simply to acknowledge a minister’s role.
In many churches, “Reverend” is given to ordained ministers who have undergone training, much like the way a doctor is addressed as “Dr.”
The Bible itself, they point out, encourages believers to honour their leaders, with 1 Timothy 5:17 stating that elders who direct the affairs of the church well are “worthy of double honour.”
In this sense, the title is seen as a formal courtesy rather than a theological statement.
Supporters remind critics that Christianity does not operate in a vacuum but within cultural settings.
In Ghanaian society, respect for elders and authority is central to social order. Just as chiefs are addressed with titles such as “Nana” or “Togbe,” many Christians believe it is fitting to extend a similar courtesy to church leaders.
In their view, calling a pastor “Reverend” reflects Ghanaian values of honour and respect, and does not amount to worshipping a human being.
Yet the debate is far from settled. Some argue that the title has been abused, with individuals presenting themselves as “Reverend” without any proper training or accountability.
Calls have even been made for the regulation of church titles to prevent confusion and protect the credibility of ministry. Others, however, see no harm in its continued use, so long as it is not taken beyond what Scripture allows.
At the heart of the matter lies a bigger question: should Christians stick strictly to biblical language when addressing their leaders, or is it acceptable to adapt titles as society evolves?
The conversation is not just theological but cultural, touching on how Ghana balances respect for tradition with the authority of Scripture.
The debate over the “Rev” title is therefore not one with easy answers. What is clear, however, is that it forces us to reflect on how we show honour, how we interpret the Bible, and how faith interacts with our cultural practices.
As the discussion continues in church pews and on social platforms, we ask you: should pastors and ministers be called “Reverend,” or should Christians abandon the title altogether?
By: Jacob Aggrey
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Police confirm arrest of two suspects in Asankrangwa murder case
The Western Central Regional Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two men in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 20-year-old man at the Asankrangwa Education Area on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
In a statement signed by the Head of the Public Affairs Unit, ASP Beatrice Turkson, the police said preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was chased and stabbed multiple times by a group of people.
The incident is believed to have stemmed from a misunderstanding between the deceased and one of the suspects, identified as 36-year-old Kwasi Opong.
According to the police, swift action led to the arrest of Opong and another suspect, 23-year-old William Francis Osei. Both are currently in custody assisting with investigations, while efforts are underway to apprehend another suspect who is still on the run.
The police noted that the body of the deceased has been deposited at the Asankrangwa Catholic Hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.
“The Command assures the public that all persons connected to this heinous crime will be brought to justice,” the statement said.
The police appealed to the public to provide any information that could assist in the ongoing investigations.
By: Jacob Aggrey
