Accra: Madam Constance Agyeman, Founder of the Ghana Science and Tech Explorer Prize Challenge (GSTEP), has urged members of the Youth Steering Group (YSG) to become creative and innovative leaders in all their undertakings. She emphasized the opportunities within the GSTEP initiative and the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) sector for young people to explore, aiming for personal advancement and contributing to national development.
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Agyeman conveyed her message at the fourth GSTEP-YSG graduation ceremony held in Accra, where 22 students from the Greater Accra, Eastern, and Ashanti regions graduated. These students form the 2025 GSTEP-YSG cohort, having participated in a series of masterclasses and mentorship programmes. The graduates played pivotal roles in implementing activities under the GSTEP programme, enhancing their STEM skills, promoting STEM awareness, and building capacity for personal growth.
The ceremony celebrated the graduates’ achievements, marking a new chapter in their lives as STEM changemakers within their respective communities. ‘GSTEP-YSG is a celebration of STEM leadership, youth empowerment, confidence building in young people, and giving them the mandate to have a voice in shaping and informing the development of their communities,’ Madam Agyeman stated. She stressed the significance of sustained support and funding for the GSTEP initiative to nurture future innovators and accelerate Ghana’s development, appealing to individuals, organizations, and corporate institutions for both financial and non-financial support.
Mr Elijah Bantil, a YSG member from the Eastern Region, expressed that the programme had enlightened him, deepened his appreciation of STEM, and boosted his confidence. He aims to promote and educate his peers about the programme’s importance and encourage their participation. He expressed gratitude to the organizers, highlighting his pride in being part of the 2025 GSTEP-YSG batch and considering his certificate a significant achievement.
Miss Adelaide Mantebea Mante from the Greater Accra Region described the graduation event as insightful and impactful, particularly enjoying the panel discussion and breakout sessions. Miss Marigold Opoku Akyena from the Ashanti Region commended the GSTEP team for the experience, noting her improved communication, marketing, teamwork, and leadership skills. She plans to apply what she has learned and encourages other young people to join the programme, emphasizing its potential to shape their futures.