Gov't reiterates commitment to science and technology training

Accra, Aug. 7, GNA - Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo, Minister of Education, on Friday reiterated government's commitment to give greater attention to training in science and technology programmes to promote national development.

He said the imbalance between the two disciplines and humanities in the educational system, posed greater challenge to national development, especially the quest for industrialization. Speaking at a launch of a book entitled: "Higher Education centred Economic Development and Growth - Ghana as case study," Mr Tettey-Enyo mentioned Singapore, Malaysia and South Korea as having largely advanced because of massive investments in technical and vocational as well as science and technology education.

He said statistics indicate that the average enrolment ratio of science and technology to arts programmes in the universities and polytechnics in 2008 was 30 is to 70 in favour of latter. He added that the situation was even worse in private tertiary institutions, which compelled the Ministry of Education to initiate steps to address the imbalance.

Commenting on the book, Mr Tettey-Enyo described it as an affirmation of the policy of Government and the Ministry's intervention to reposition science and technology and Technical and Vocational Training (TEVET).

He said the book should serve as an encouragement and motivation to others to step up their efforts to contribute to the development of tertiary education in Ghana.

Mr Kwasi Ahwoi, Minister for Agriculture said the book has demonstrated that programmes offered at the country's tertiary institutions were not congruence with national development objectives. He also called for the institution of an award for people who make exceptional intellectual contributions and enhancement of humanity in general to the development of Ghana.

The Minister congratulated the author of the book, Dr Gabriel Ayisi and said: "politicians, economic planners and decision makers across board will find it stimulating and useful." Dr Ayisi said his study investigated the expansion of the tertiary education sub-sector and how it could be made developmentally-oriented to foster economic growth.

Doubling as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ideal World Games (LLC) and Motivational Centres International, Dr Ayisi holds a Director of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Organizational Leadership from the Columbia University, USA. 7 Aug. 09