The 2024 STEM Festival was officially launched yesterday, November 7, 2024, at the GNAT Hall, Accra, setting the stage for an exciting journey of discovery, mentorship, and competition. The event gathered an impressive line-up of distinguished guests, including the Founder and Chairman of Primetime Limited, Dr Kwaku Mensa-Bonsu; the Managing Director of Primetime, Ms Nana Akua A. Mensa-Bonsu; Dr Lucy Agyepong, Vice-President – Institutional Advancement, Academic City University College; and representatives from key sponsors, Pepsodent, Jupay, and GTP.
Keynote Speeches and Insights
Ms Nana Akua A. Mensa-Bonsu, the Managing Director of Primetime, shared her vision for the STEM Festival, providing insights into what participants and attendees can expect in the coming weeks. She highlighted the mentorship sessions, which are designed to equip students with knowledge and guidance from industry leaders.
“Our goal with this festival is to inspire young minds, nurture their curiosity, and prepare them for a world that increasingly relies on STEM. The mentorship sessions, in particular, are invaluable – they provide students with a unique opportunity to learn from our experiences,” Ms Mensa-Bonsu said.
Following Ms Mensa-Bonsu’s address, Dr Lucy Agyepong, one of the consultants and judges of the Innovation Challenge, discussed the selection process for the schools competing in the Sci-Tech Innovation Challenge. “We received applications from 14 schools, each with exciting ideas. After a thorough evaluation, we chose the 10 schools with the most creative and innovative concepts. These are the schools we believe can showcase the very best in the competition,” she explained.
The ten selected schools are:
· Obuasi SHTS
· Our Lady of Grace SHS
· Ghana National College
· Sunyani SHS
· Bosomtwe STEM Girls' SHS
· Armed Forces SHTS
· St. Thomas Aquinas SHS
· Aggrey Memorial
· Presec- Legon
· Fijai SHS
Mentorship Sessions: Inspiring the Next Generation
The Mentorship Session, hosted by Ms Lucy Akosua Fiadonu, followed immediately after the speeches. The first mentor to speak was Mr Nii Akai Adote, Network and Systems Manager at GTP, who emphasised the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in today’s world.
“AI isn’t here to replace jobs; it’s here to make our lives easier. It’s a tool that can provide accurate information quickly, helping us make better decisions,” he stated.
Mr Adote further explained his role as an IT expert within a fabric production company, giving insights into how he ensures the smooth operation of GTP’s multiple branches.
“Keeping our systems running efficiently allows our stores to stay connected and serve customers better,” he said, adding that young people should embrace AI in their daily lives and encouraging women to explore opportunities in STEM fields.
The second Mentor, Dr Angela Hezphi Tagoe, Head of Department of Biomedical Engineering at Academic City and Founding Director of G.H. Scientific, spoke passionately on the theme Emerging Careers in STEM: AI in Focus, emphasizing the role of curiosity in her career journey.
“Curiosity has opened many doors for me, and it’s what led me to pursue a career in STEM,” she shared.
She encouraged young women not to shy away from STEM, highlighting the vast opportunities the field offers.
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions and explore. Curiosity is the gateway to learning and innovation.”
As the launch event wrapped up on an inspiring note, attendees left energized and looking forward to the upcoming activities in the STEM Festival. Primetime has laid the groundwork for an engaging festival aimed at empowering students, sparking their interest in STEM, and guiding them towards a future brimming with innovation.
Be sure to follow all STEM Festival and NSMQ pages for updates on the Mentorship Sessions, which will continue from 8th to 22nd November.
The 2024 edition of the STEM Festival is produced by Primetime Limited and proudly sponsored by Pepsodent, Jupay, Bel Beverages, YFM and GTP.