The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Dr Kwame Addo Kufuor has noted that the development of great nations of the world, particularly in the modern era, is grounded in science, maths and technology.

“Countries with a strong foundation in science and technology are the ones which develop faster and improve the living standards of their people. Japan, Russia, China, India, Brazil are a few examples. The Asian Tigers have also moved along the same path,” he said.

Dr Addo Kufuor made this known when the winners of the 2018 National Science and Maths and Science Quiz (NSMQ) competition called on the Board of Trustees at the Pension House, in Accra.

He called on institutions to not only offer encouragement to the youth but empower them to excel in science, maths and technology, which in turn will help accelerate Ghana’s rate of development.

Dr Addo Kufuor said SSNIT on its part has decided to offer its support to encourage and empower the youth in their quest to pursue science, maths and technology education. “This will push our youth to seek excellence in all endeavours and help develop this nation,” he added.

The Board Chairman who is also a senior medical doctor was not happy that after several years since independence, Ghana seems to be crawling. “How come we are exporting unprocessed cocoa, gold, timber, bauxite and others; while countries which have little or no natural resources like Singapore are doing well?” he asked.

Citing the example of Rwanda, he said because they embraced science and technology, the country is gradually emerging as a leader in rapid socio-economic development.

“It is for this reason that for the first time, SSNIT has decided to be part of the National Science and Maths Quiz Competition. The Trust seeks to raise a crop of young people who would feel motivated to pursue and excel in science, maths and technology in order to make a positive impact on national development and help move Ghana in the direction of rapid progress and development,” Dr Addo-Kuffuor said.

The winners were offered GH¢10, 000 in treasury bills; an internship programme at SSNIT anytime they qualify and national service placement when they are due.

Responding on behalf of the winners - Kissi Annor Kwaku, Fenny Benjamin and Oteng Kwadwo Frimpong - Solomon Mantey Sodzi, tutor and leader of the team thanked SSNIT for the kind gesture and said this will motivate them to do better next time.