In a bid to inspire young girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the Tolon District Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) organized an educational field trip to the CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) on February 18, 2025. The visit was part of activities marking the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, under the theme “Imagine a World with More Women in Science.”
A delegation of 101 girls and 10 teachers from four schools was warmly received by three distinguished female scientists at CSIR-SARI—Dr. Gloria Boakyewaa Adu, Dr. Flora Amagloh, and Dr. Ophelia Asirifi Amoako—led the students on an engaging and interactive tour of the institute’s cutting-edge research facilities. The girls were from St. Monica’s RC Junior High School (JHS), Tolon Naa Girls Model JHS, Tolon DA Model JHS, and University for Development Studies (UDS) Basic JHS.
The visit began with an exciting field tour where the students observed ongoing research on crop stress management, highlighting innovative techniques used to develop climate-resilient crop varieties to improve the food security of Ghanaians. The students then explored the Food and Nutritional Analytical Laboratory, where they learned about food quality testing and nutritional analysis. This was followed by an insightful session at the Biotechnology Laboratory, where they were introduced to advanced biotechnology tools for enhancing plant breeding and crop productivity. The final stop was the Yam Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponic Laboratory, where scientists demonstrated the use of Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponic technology for the rapid multiplication of disease-free yam seedlings.
Speaking on the significance of the visit, Dr. Joseph Adjebeng-Danquah, the Deputy Director of CSIR-SARI emphasized the importance of fostering girls’ interest in agricultural science and research. “It is inspiring to see so many girls eager to learn about science. We hope this experience will ignite their passion for STEM and encourage them to explore careers in scientific research,” he said.
Mr. Abu Kasim, the Tolon District’s Public Relations Officer of Ghana Education Service, Northern sector, who accompanied the students, expressed appreciation to CSIR-SARI for hosting the delegation and providing such a valuable learning experience. “This visit has been an eye-opener for our students. Seeing women leading scientific research is a powerful motivation for them to believe in their own potential,” she noted.
The visit concluded with a Q&A session facilitated by Mr. Adam Baba Gabriel, where students engaged with the scientists at CSIR-SARI, asking insightful questions about research, career paths in STEM, and the role of women in science and innovation.
As Ghana continues to promote gender inclusivity in STEM education, initiatives like these serve as crucial stepping stones in bridging the gender gap and inspiring the next generation of female scientists.
