GSTEP 2026 launches to deepen STEM access with addition of Volta Region

The Ghana Science & Tech Explorer Challenge Prize (GSTEP) has launched its 2026 edition, aimed at deepening access to practical Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education at the junior high school level, with the inclusion of the Volta Region as the fourth region to participate in the annual competition.

This year’s challenge, themed “Curiosity to Impact: STEM Without Borders,” marks a significant step towards making practical STEM learning accessible to more students across Ghana.

The virtual launch, held via Zoom and streamed live on Facebook, brought together teachers, students and key stakeholders in the STEM ecosystem.

Executive Director of the DreamOval Foundation, Afua Oforiwaa Asiamah Adjei, said the 2026 edition builds on the successes of previous competitions held in the Greater Accra, Eastern and Ashanti Regions. To date, over 30,000 students, 2,000 teachers and 500 schools have benefited from hands-on STEM experiences through GSTEP.

“For the very first time, the GSTEP Challenge expands to the Volta Region, making it possible for even more young innovators to be part of this life-changing journey. This expansion brings us closer to our vision of making GSTEP a truly national platform — one where every child, regardless of their background, can access the opportunities and skills that STEM education provides,” she stated.

Founder of GSTEP, Constance Agyeman, reflected on the programme’s progress and growing national impact, noting that between 2021 and 2025, GSTEP has inspired thousands of students to explore science and technology as tools for solving real-world problems.

“Last year alone, over 1,000 innovative ideas were submitted by students who applied STEM to address local challenges — from clean energy and sustainable farming to smart city innovations,” she said.

Delivering the keynote address, Francis Ahene-Affoh, Lead for Partnerships and Alliances at Partnership Bureau, commended the creativity and ingenuity demonstrated by participants over the years.

“Across the editions, we have witnessed incredible inventions and solutions that leverage technology to improve agriculture, aquaculture, road traffic management, education and climate resilience. These ideas prove that, given the right platform, our junior high school students can transform curiosity into real impact,” he noted.

This year’s challenge is being implemented by a consortium of four organisations — DreamOval Foundation as the lead implementer; Partnership Bureau, responsible for partnerships and sponsorships; Shulem Lake, in charge of resources and materials; and the Practical Education Network, which oversees mentorship and coaching.

The GSTEP Challenge is organised in partnership with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ministry of Education, with funding support from Fondation Botnar.

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