DCE-UEW Inspires 100 Learners Through Chemistry Festival at Kojo Beedu

The progrmme sought to demystify science and make chemistry learning engaging, practical and relevant to everyday life. It provided the young participants an opportunity to interact with university lecturers and student volunteers while performing exciting experiments such as the rainbow experiment, the magic moving water experiment, chromatographic techniques, the liquid density experiment, the lava lamp experiment and acid-base and invisible ink demonstrations. The students also explored natural cleaning agents and separation techniques using locally available materials.

Dr. Ernest Koranteng, Project Lead and Lecturer at the DCE-UEW, expressed delight at the enthusiasm of the students and teachers. He emphasised that the festival aimed to expose young learners to the practical side of science and inspire them to think of chemistry as a tool for solving global challenges.

“You here are the future scientists of the world. As scientists, you will need to solve problems that make the world a better place. Read science with the mindset of becoming a problem solver,” he said.

He encouraged teachers to adopt simple, accessible materials such as lemon, turmeric and other everyday substances to demonstrate scientific concepts in their classrooms. “Science does not always require sophisticated laboratories; we can use the resources around us to make science learning fun, relevant and impactful,” he remarked. 

Prof. Arkoful Sam, Dean of the Faculty of Science Education and Chairman of the event, commended the organisers for championing practical science education. He observed that chemistry plays a vital role in advancing modern society through innovations in energy, healthcare, environmental protection and materials science.

“From the air we breathe to the materials we use, chemistry is the backbone of innovation and progress. Today, as we go through the stands, we are empowered to address issues such as climate change and human health. Together, we can unleash the potential of chemistry to create a better future for all,” he noted.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Victor Antwi, the Immediate Past Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UEW, commended the Department of Chemistry Education and its collaborators for bringing science learning to the community level. He said the initiative aligns with UEW’s vision of shaping minds and nurturing innovation for national development.

“Introducing science, especially chemistry, to our young learners is a crucial investment for our nation's future,” he remarked. He highlighted chemistry’s central role in tackling pressing global challenges such as climate change, pollution, food insecurity and energy crises and he urged the young learners to develop curiosity and a passion for scientific discovery.

“Do not fear chemistry; embrace it. Chemistry, when understood well, is not difficult; it is beautiful, practical and powerful. You may one day develop cleaner fuels, invent affordable water purification systems or create eco-friendly materials for our communities,” he encouraged the students. 

Prof. Antwi further underscored UEW’s commitment to community engagement, teacher empowerment and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 13 (Climate Action). He saluted science teachers for their dedication and called on them to make science learning hands-on and relatable. “Let learners see chemistry in cooking, cleaning, farming and even in the rain that falls,” he said.

Prof. Ruby Hanson, former Dean of the Faculty of Science Education, encouraged students, particularly girls, to actively participate in the experiments and see science as an exciting field with limitless possibilities. “When we tell you, you forget; when you see, you remember; but when you do, it lasts,” she said, urging the young learners to embrace experiential learning and discovery.

A member of the project team, Mr. Twumasi Ankra Kwarteng, explained that the festival primarily targeted public schools within the Effutu Municipality to boost interest and performance in science among their students.

“We realised that most private schools perform better in science at the BECE, so we decided to focus on public schools to inspire and support them. The activities align with the JHS science syllabus and provide students with hands-on exposure to concepts they often learn theoretically,” he explained.

He revealed that since the inception of the outreach programme, several students who participated have gone on to pursue science-related programmes in Senior High Schools (SHSs), a testament to the festival’s impact. However, he cited funding and venue constraints as challenges limiting expansion and called for sponsorship support to enable the department to reach more schools in future editions.

Students enthusiastically participated in the experiments, asked questions and shared their excitement about seeing science come alive. Teachers also expressed appreciation to UEW for creating a platform that connects classroom lessons to real-world applications.

The Chemistry Festival exemplifies UEW’s enduring commitment to promoting STEM education, nurturing young scientists and strengthening school-community partnerships. It also reaffirms the University’s belief that science, when taught through experience and curiosity, can empower the next generation to create sustainable solutions for Ghana and the world.