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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo expressed his amazement and joy at a recent event at the Jubilee House. Uaddara Junior High School students in Kumasi presented him with their innovative creation, an electronic road safety device called the “Illuminated Child Safety Device.” This device, developed by an all-female team of six students, won the Overall Best Award at the Ghana Science and Technology Explorer Prize (G-STEP) in Accra, earning the school a plaque and GH¢80,000 for STEM equipment and materials.
The device addresses road accidents involving pedestrians, particularly student pedestrians. It features an alarm system that alerts oncoming vehicles while pedestrians use a detachable panel to safely cross the road. The panel is disability-friendly and has a “stop” light button that activates at night.
President Akufo-Addo was impressed by the students’ ingenuity and urged the ministries of Roads, Highways, and Transport to consider adopting the device to reduce road accidents in the country. He commended the students as the “next Einsteins” and emphasized the importance of 21st-century education focusing on science and technology, citing the success of China’s economy driven by STEM education. He donated undisclosed cash to the students and encouraged them to continue striving to become great inventors.
The headteacher of the school, Theresa Achiamaa, praised the team as an inspiration to the school and urged them to continue pursuing their academic dreams. The Deputy Minister of Education, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, highlighted the G-STEP competition as aligned with the government’s STEM policy to foster creativity and innovation among young people. Out of 622 prototypes, 50 made it to the final, with Uaddara JHS winning the top prize, demonstrating the potential of STEM education to positively impact the country’s future.
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Source: omanghana.com
