By Rihana Adam
Accra, July 17, GNA – 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 said there were many opportunities within the GSTEP initiative and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) sector for young people to explore for personal advancement and national development.
Madam Agyeman gave the advice at the fourth GSTEP-YSG graduation ceremony held in Accra, which saw a total of 22 students from the Greater Accra, Eastern, and Ashanti regions graduating.
They form the 2025 GSTEP-YSG cohort, after participating in a series of masterclasses and mentorship programmes.
The graduates played key roles in implementing activities under the GSTEP programme to enhance their STEM skills, promote STEM awareness, and build capacity for personal growth.
Madam Agyeman said the ceremony was to celebrate their achievements, which marked 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,” she said.
She emphasised the importance of sustained support and funding for the GSTEP initiative to help nurture future innovators and accelerate Ghana’s development.
Madam Agyeman, therefore, appealed to individuals, organisations, and corporate institutions to offer both financial and non-financial support to the programme.
Mr Elijah Bantil, a YSG member from the Eastern Region, said the programme had enlightened him, deepened his appreciation of STEM, and boosted his confidence.
“As a graduate, my aim is to promote and educate my colleagues about the importance of the programme and encourage them to join,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to the organisers, saying: “I have learnt a lot and I’m proud to be part of the 2025 GSTEP-YSG batch. It’s a dream come true.”
“My certificate is my biggest achievement now, and I’m happy that the training has successfully come to an end.”
Miss Adelaide Mantebea Mante from the Greater Accra Region described the graduation as insightful.
“Today’s event has been very impactful. I especially enjoyed the panel discussion and the breakout sessions, where we got to know one another,” she said.
Miss Marigold Opoku Akyena from the Ashanti Region also commended the GSTEP team for the experience.
“I have learnt how to communicate with people, market a product, work in a team, and play a leadership role,” she said.
“I am going to apply what I have learnt, and I encourage other young people to join the programme because it will help shape their future. I am grateful to the GSTEP team.”
GNA
Agnes Boye-Doe