Mayor

Accra, Aug. 16, GNA - Mr Stanley Adjiri Blankson, Chief Executive Officer of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), on Monday called for more financial support towards the teaching of science, mathematics and technology in schools.

Mr Blankson also called on the government to institute a Science Education Fund to assist basic schools.

The CEO, who was speaking at the opening of the third Accra Metropolitan Science, Technology Education (STME) Clinic in Accra, said scientific and technical education determined the skills, attitudes and interest of the people.

He presented 61.8 million cedis to support the Clinic and appealed to individuals and organisations to support the STME programmes.

Mr A. B. Amoatey, Metropolitan Director of Education, urged stakeholders to find a lasting solution to problems confronting the teaching of science.

"We lack the stimulating environment that makes science teaching and learning thought provoking, meaningful and enjoyable and we also lack chemical, equipment and space for experiment and project development."

Mr Amoatey said there was no support for development of science projects in schools and there was a complete mismatch between science teaching and assessment.

He said during this year's Basic Education Certificate Examination students were asked to describe a process that took place in the laboratories, which were not existent.

"Indeed, it is only in the hands of well trained and motivated teachers, in a well equipped laboratory with adequate teaching and learning materials and an effective process that science teaching and learning could be meaningful."

He suggested the imposition of a levy for science teaching and learning from next academic year.

Mrs Kazuko Asai, Ambassador of Japan in Ghana, said her country would continue to provide Ghana with the necessary assistance for science, technology and mathematics education.

Mrs Asai said under the Japanese Grant Aid Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects, financial assistance was provided for community-based projects in various fields including primary education.

She said in 2003, 12 schools received grants and were working to accomplish projects, such as the construction of school buildings and provision of teaching and learning materials.