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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
The Ashanti South Regional Police Intelligence Directorate has arrested two suspects in connection with a robbery attack on an Indian national in Obuasi and a separately planned robbery operation targeting a distribution company in the same area.
On April 16, 2026, Police received credible intelligence that a group of armed men were planning an attack in Obuasi. A police team moved swiftly into the area and arrested suspect Iddrisu Fuseini, also known as “Iddi”, at his hideout in Bedieso, Obuasi.
During interrogation, he confessed to being part of a six-member gang that attacked an Indian national at his residence at New Baakoyeden, Obuasi, on April 12 2026, robbing him of GH₵150,000.00.
He disclosed that the attack was orchestrated following a tip-off from suspect Ibrahim, an employee of the victim, who informed the gang that the victim kept large sums of money.
Further investigations led to the arrest of a second suspect, Shaibu Mohammed, also known as “SM” or “Cicinati”, on 20th April 2026 at his hideout in Gausu, Obuasi. During interrogation, he admitted to participating in the planning of the robbery and confirmed that the gang had further planned to rob a distribution company near Mawuli Hotel in Obuasi.
Investigations have further revealed that both suspects are currently standing trial at the Obuasi Circuit Court in connection with a separate robbery of GH₵600,000.00.
A manhunt is ongoing to arrest the remaining accomplices, identified as Khalifa, Edward, Prof, Waddle, Ebbe, and Ibrahim, and to recover a pump action gun and a locally manufactured pistol believed to be in their possession.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, together with members of the Police Management Board (POMAB), on April 17, 2026, decorated nineteen (19) senior officers who have been promoted to their next ranks based on the recommendations of the Police Council and approval of the President, John Dramani Mahama.
The ceremony, held at the National Police Headquarters in Accra, forms part of efforts to recognise merit, dedication, and long-standing service within the Ghana Police Service, while strengthening leadership across key operational and administrative levels.
The officers promoted from Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) to Commissioner of Police (COP) are Dr. Luke Asue-In-Yeng Zakpaa, Mr. Frederick Agyei, Mr. Duuti Tuaruka, Mr. Arthur Osei-Akoto, Mr. Darko Offei Lomotey, Mr. Eric Ken Winful, Mr. Barnabas Nambont Nasumong, and Mr. Desmond Owusu Boampong.
The IGP and members of POMAB congratulated the officers and urged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
