In this talk, Dr. Elsie Effah Kaufmann, a renowned biomedical engineer and academic, discusses the critical challenges within engineering education in Ghana and provides a roadmap for transformation.

Core Challenges Identified: The “Import” Mentality: Dr. Kaufmann notes that Ghanaian society is often risk-averse and prefers importing foreign-made solutions over trusting locally engineered products. Lack of Clear Objectives: Educational institutions and educators often lack a clear definition of what kind of engineer they are intended to produce, leading to a system with little accountability. Flawed Reward Systems: Engineering students are often trained to prioritize rote memorization to earn high grades and secure employment, rather than being encouraged to engage in creative problem-solving or innovation. Parental and Social Pressures: Well-meaning parents often steer their children away from engineering or toward specific paths that guarantee jobs, while the rigid science-based curriculum often excludes those with a passion for engineering but the “wrong” subject combinations.

Potential Solutions and Way Forward: Collaborative Practical Programs: Dr. Kaufmann shares the success of her department’s collaboration with the University of Michigan, which sends students into hospitals to identify real-world problems and design solutions, fostering innovation. Fostering Passion and Confidence: She highlights that Ghanaian students are capable of creating prototypes and patents when given the right space and encouragement to solve real problems. Strategic Policy Changes: National Dialogue: Shifting the focus from merely getting a certificate to learning how to innovate. Evidence-Based Reforms: Implementing programs to track data that can inform better teaching practices and government investment. Broadening Access: Encouraging parents and society to support student passions rather than forcing them into traditional, “safe” career paths.