Media Urged to Sustain Campaign for STEM School in Upper West Region

The Upper West Regional Coordinator of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS), Adamu Dasana, has appealed to the media to embark on a sustained and deliberate campaign to secure a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) School for the Upper West Region.

Mr. Dasana made the call on the sidelines of a public lecture organized by Kaa-Wulisung Advocacy, on the theme: “The Abuse of Words, Who’s to Blame?” There was also discussions centered on the relevance of STEM education and its potential contribution to national development.

According to him, while the establishment of STEM schools across the country is a national initiative, the distribution has not been equitable, as the Upper West Region has so far not benefited from the policy.

He stressed that national development should be guided by equity rather than mere equality, arguing that all regions are entitled to a fair share of national investments.

“We are talking about equity. Everybody has equitable rights and is entitled to the national cake,” Mr. Dasaana said. “Unfortunately, the Upper West Region has not benefited from this particular share, and that is why we must ask why and what can be done.”

He emphasized that consistent media advocacy could draw the attention of key decision-makers, including the Minister of Education and the President, to the region’s long-standing demand for a STEM school. He called on journalists in the region to continuously publish and highlight the issue over time to keep it on the national agenda.

Beyond the media, Mr. Dasaana also appealed to traditional authorities, particularly the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs, to take an active role in the advocacy. He urged chiefs to raise the issue whenever political leaders, whether from the governing party or the opposition, visit their palaces.

“This is something that is dear to us,” he noted, adding that traditional leaders and other opinion leaders must remain consistent and united in their demand.

Mr. Dasaana highlighted the numerous benefits of STEM education, describing it as critical to economic growth, innovation, and community development. He argued that a STEM school in the Upper West Region would not only enhance educational opportunities for young people but also contribute significantly to the region’s socio-economic transformation.

He concluded by calling on all stakeholders, media practitioners, traditional authorities, academics, and community leaders to collectively and persistently demand the establishment of a STEM school in the region, describing it as both a necessity and a right.