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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
Ghana’s parliament has marked the 2nd edition of May Day 2026 under the theme “ Welcome Home”.
It was special day meant to celebrate the invaluable support of the workforce, recognizing the commitment, resilience, and contributions of workers to institutional growth and national development.
Delivering the message on behalf of the Speaker, the 1st Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, described the theme as very apt, appropriate, and timely, noting that Parliament is more than a workplace, it is a shared home.
He emphasized that we cannot speak about work without speaking about people, reminding everyone that the true measure of our work is the well-being of our people.
He urged that our traditional clothing become an integral part of our everyday clothing, and that our local languages must become integral to our daily lives, interwoven into education and practiced at home.
Referencing Standing Order 63, which captures the use of local language as optional in deliberations, he encouraged a renewed commitment to identity, saying it is significant that we “come home” and present who we are so future generations can inherit a story they can fully tell.
The Clerk, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, in his remarks commended officers for their dedication and devotion to duty, calling on them to go the extra mile and leave legacies.
Echoing the reminder that an unexamined life is not worth living, he described the event as an invitation to reconnect with our roots through cultural revival.
The Deputy Clerk, C&FMS, Dr. Gloria Sarku Kumawu, urged all not to forget their roots, the people behind the stories of ministries, industries, and the strides made both in-house and beyond.
What began last year has now become a meaningful tradition, showcasing Ghanaian heritage, fostering unity, and encouraging innovation under the principle of diversity for unity and diversity for progress, she added.
The gathering brought together leadership, public officials, and staff across all levels, along with the media, standing as a unifying platform that honored service, celebrated culture, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to national development.
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Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
