The 2023 Ghana Science & Tech Explorer Prize (GSTEP) Awards Ceremony was held at the Accra International Conference Center on Thursday 25th January 2024. The event marked the end of the programme for the 100 finalist teams who competed to develop innovative products that addressed challenges within communities in Ghana. The event was organised to celebrate the finalists of the challenge prize and award outstanding teams and personalities.
The event brought together dignitaries, community leaders, stakeholders in the education sector, the private sector and the general public. The special guest of honour for the event was the Chief of Staff of the Office of the President, Madam Frema Opare, who gave a speech on behalf of the President of Ghana. The guest of honour, the Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, also gave a speech commending the finalists for their commitment to the programme. He also commended the GSTEP team and partners for successfully implementing the programme and indicated the Education Ministry’s commitment to supporting the development of STEM education in Ghana.
Fourteen finalist teams were awarded with STEM materials and products from GSTEP sponsors. The Global Engineering Technology (GET) Group, from John Wesley Methodist Basic School in the Greater Accra Region, won the ultimate award for the 2023 Challenge. Aqua Sentry team from Services Primary & JHS in the Greater Accra Region went home with the 1st runner up and Outstanding Exhibition Stand awards while the Light Bearers from DA-Great Impact School Complex, Abaam, in the Eastern Region, came third.
Individuals and teachers who performed exceptionally during the 2023 GSTEP programme were also awarded. Some of the awards given included the Most Outstanding Teacher given to Godfred Amoako representing Team Blasters from Independence M/A JHS in Obuasi, the Most Outstanding Coach which went to Affoh Eugene Gyampoh from Koforidua Technical University and the Most Outstanding Mentors which went to Benedicta Antwi-Bosiako and Andy Agyei Amofa.
Key highlights of the event were performances by the Great Africa Dance Ensemble and the DWP Academy. The judging panel for the 2023 GSTEP Challenge also gave an address to the finalists which was read by Madam Elizabeth Owusu Boadi.
The GSTEP team represented by Afua Asiamah Adjei, Executive Director of the DreamOval Foundation also commended the finalists for their efforts and called for continued support of the GSTEP programme.
