President of the Ghana Association of Science Teachers (GAST), has renewed calls on government to establish mobile Science laboratories in less endowed schools across the country.
Simon Addae-Conutsey is convinced that such an intervention will boost science education which is crucial to technological advancement.
The GAST President was addressing the association’s 58th Annual General Meeting in Tamale under the theme, “Science and Technology: a solution to climate change and food security.”
He bemoaned the Ministry of Science, Environment and Innovation’s decision to cut off science teachers from participating in international conferences and seminars on science education.
He said the decision has demoralized science teachers who considered the international conferences and seminars an eye opener leading to their performance in the classroom.
Simon Addae-Conutsey asked the Ministry of Science, Environment and Innovation to reconsider it’s decision to motivate science teachers.
He also admonished government to pay special allowances to science teachers whose contribution to nation building cannot be underestimated.
He thanked members of the association for their cooperation and unflinching support during his tenure of office.
He urged the participants to take advantage of the conference and network as a means of deepening their consultations.
The Rector of Tamale College of Education, Dr. Sulemana Iddrisu, implored science teachers to change their approach to make science education attractive to students.
He observed that Science education often scared students because of the age-long perception that it is difficult.
Dr. Sulemana Iddrisu called for attitudinal change in the local communities to combat climate change and promote food security.
Dr. Joseph Amikuzuno of the University for Development Studies (UDS) Department of Climate Change and Food Security, presented a paper on Climate Change and food security.
He challenged Science teachers to use the mass media as means of increasing advocacy on climate change and its accompanying hazards.
Dr. Amikuzuno anticipated that, food production in the sub region will sharply decline in the next 50 years, if pragmatic measures are not put in place to combat climate change.
He scolded some Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) operating in Ghana for raising false alarms on climate change to attract donor funding.
The Northern Regional Minister, Abdullah Abubakari, in a speech read on his behalf, lauded the GAST for choosing the theme for the Annual General Meeting.
He requested for major transformation to establish climate resilience required to improve the agricultural value chain.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to resource science teachers to improve their skills. A renowned member of the association, the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa North, Hon. Gifty Twum Ampofo, was rewarded for her loyalty.
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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana