Editorial
Promote National Science & Math Quiz to support STEM education
Since its introduction in 1993 by Primetime Limited, an education-interest advertising and public relations agency, the National Science & Math Quiz (NSMQ) has grown to be a much-anticipated and captivating yearly event that sparks students’ interest in science and mathematics.
The NMSQ aims to encourage students to study the sciences and mathematics, to think critically and with a scientific mindset about the world they live in, and to build a positive sense of healthy competition among senior high schools.
Due to the increased interest in the NSMQ from a variety of sources, including parents, tutors, current students, and alumni, the event is growing more competitive and fascinating.
Alumni are now providing their alma mater with enormous assistance in order to guarantee that participating students hone their problem-solving abilities to foster academic achievement and healthy competition.
Students are studying harder, learning effective communication skills, and working together as a team to strive for excellence and make their schools proud because of the competitive aspect of the quiz.
Their confidence and self-worth are also increasing as a result of the quiz, and this will undoubtedly have a good effect on both their general academic achievement and future employment in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
The objective of the NSMQ is similar to that of STEM curriculum, which was developed to prepare students in primary and secondary schools for careers in STEM fields as well as tertiary education and college.
In addition to imparting knowledge related to the subject, STEM aims to foster critical thinking, reasoning, and collaborative skills.
Without a question, STEM fields are at the centre of technological innovation. Since these fields are crucial for social, economic, and other forms of development, young people should be inspired to pursue courses in these fields and given the tools they need to become self-sufficient.
The NSMQ competition has now motivated the youth to seek careers in STEM, which will eventually benefit the country’s growth.
The Spectator applauds Primetime Limited for this wonderful effort to support students in discovering their aptitude in science and mathematics.
In our opinion, in addition to the Ghana Education Service’s (GES’) involvement, further efforts should be made to advance the NSMQ and use it as a vital platform for fostering a promising future in STEM education.
To create a strong STEM education in Ghana and beyond, the government, academic institutions, corporate organisations and other stakeholders should consistently promote and invest in the NSMQ.
With the rapid advancement of technology, STEM knowledge is becoming increasingly important for development, and NSMQ needs to be promoted in order to support STEM education.
We would like to congratulate the Presbyterian Boys Senior High School (PRESEC), Legon, Achimota School, Opoku Ware Senior High School (SHS), and all other participating schools in this year’s quiz.
Editorial
ECG PowerApp: A mixed bag of technical issues, uncredited payment concerns
Dear Editor,
On February 18, 2020, the former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, launched the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) PowerApp, a mobile application designed in-house by staff of ECG.
It was to improve its service delivery to its customers.
The development of the app also meant that customers of ECG would now have the opportunity to purchase power and pay bills using their mobile phones.
That means customers of ECG would no longer have to join long queues to purchase power, but could now do that at their own convenience and in the comfort of their homes.
According to the Communication Officer, the PowerApp has increased annual revenue growth for the company.
He said as of April 2024, the new application system had increased its annual revenue growth by 128 per cent as compared to the old system at negative seven per cent.
Despite these reasons for which the app was developed and the benefits it has brought to ECG, there have been growing concerns among a section of the public on its use.
Some have argued that they were not credited after using the app to recharge their prepaid meter while the money was deducted from their MoMo accounts.
Such experience has made some customers vow not use the app to recharge their prepaid meters but rather go to prepaid vendors nearby to purchase credit. Some are even prepared to travel to far places to purchase prepaid credits.
I think such experience does not speak well of ECG because it could affect public trust in the company in its service delivery. This is the more reason why the ECG has to take the concerns raised by its customers seriously.
Kofi Bruce,
Mampong
Editorial
Our women can deliver
Dear Editor,
I write to congratulate the women that have so far caught the attention of President John Dramani Mahama for ministerial appointment.
So far, over 10 women have been vetted already and they all gave a very good account of themselves and I hope that they perform to the best of their abilities.
This is a good sign from President Mahama who demonstrated a strong resolve to provide an enabling environment for the women to be part of decision making by choosing a woman as his Vice President.
And true to his word, a number of women have been appointed in ministerial positions and others as presidential staffers.
I believe the other appointments to come would also have women making the cut.
This would be a morale booster for the young women out there who thinks that their position is the kitchen or in a man’s house as a wife.
This is a clear case of women given the urge to aim to rise above what society and traditional norms have set for them. I wish them well.
Maame Atta,
Kokompe
