Invest more in STEM for girls — Mission ShakthiSAT participants

Ghanaian participants in the global Mission ShakthiSAT programme have urged increased investment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education to empower more girls with the skills required to shape the country's future workforce. The initiative, which brought together over 12,000 girls aged 14 to 18 from 108 countries, emphasized the importance of practical learning opportunities and preparing young women for careers in emerging technologies.

Dr Diana Amoni Ntewusu, the Mission ShakthiSAT Ambassador for Ghana, recounted her experience in India, where she mentored a Level 200 Biomedical Engineering student, Winifred Abrokwah. Despite financial constraints, both women ultimately secured their spots in the programme, highlighting the need for sustained investment from the government and private sector.

The programme also provided a platform for women leaders to network and exchange ideas on promoting girls and women in science, leadership, and innovation. Abrokwah, who plans to share her newfound knowledge with colleagues and introduce space science to younger students, encouraged more girls to pursue opportunities in the field, emphasizing its potential for national development.