Ghana to draw lessons from Japan in STEM education — Dr Clement Apaak
Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to transforming its STEM education system by drawing key lessons from Japan’s renowned model. Speaking at the Japan Expo 2025, Dr. Apaak highlighted the Ghanaian government’s ambitious reforms aimed at aligning STEM and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) with global trends and the demands of the 21st-century economy.
Dr. Apaak emphasised that integrating STEM at the basic level is crucial for equipping Ghanaian learners with foundational skills in science and technology from an early age. Ghana’s new “SMART curriculum” is designed to weave together STEM, coding, and digital literacy as core elements within the school system. This, he noted, will not only improve academic learning but will also nurture entrepreneurial and employable skills essential for future-ready citizens.
Drawing inspiration from Japan’s innovative and practical approach to STEM, Dr. Apaak pointed to the value of hands-on learning, collaboration between industry and schools, and the integration of cutting-edge technology in classrooms. He mentioned several ongoing government initiatives, including “One Tech, One Teacher, One Laptop,” the Smart Schools Project, I-Campus Ghana, and a national Learning Management System, as evidence of Ghana’s efforts to create a robust STEM and TVET framework.
Furthermore, Dr. Apaak underscored Ghana’s drive to make TVET a preferred option for students—not just those who are academically struggling—and to enhance the use of AI tools to ensure vocational training keeps pace with changing industry needs.
Ghana’s willingness to learn from international best practices such as Japan’s, while tailoring its strategy for local needs, signals a forward-thinking approach to building a future-ready and inclusive education system—one that enables Ghanaian students to thrive in a global, technology-driven world.
