President Mahama urges students to take science education seriously

NAME: ERICA AMENYA 

INDEX:BABJ28063

President Mahama Encourages Students to Embrace STEM

Accra, July 5, 2025 — President John Dramani Mahama underscored the crucial role of science education in Ghana’s socio-economic progress. Speaking at the opening of the African Academy of Sciences’ high‑level meeting in Accra, he urged students to actively pursue studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to build a brighter future .Noting that STEM plays a vital role in Ghana’s development, the President announced the government’s plan to establish STEM blocks and fully equipped laboratories at every secondary school—rather than creating isolated STEM institutions—all to ensure equal opportunity for all students .He lauded the presence of distinguished guests and stakeholders, saying it reaffirmed the shared belief that science, research, and innovation must be central to Africa's transformation. He also commended the African Academy of Sciences for its dedication to creating a pan‑African platform for scientific collaboration and knowledge development since 1985 .

Paying tribute to pioneering Ghanaian and African scientists such as Professors Edward Ayensu, Ebenezer Laing, Daniel Adzei Bekoe, Trebi Ollennu, Robert Butler, Francis Kofi Allotey, and Dr. Emmanuel Evans‑Anfom, he emphasized that their legacy demonstrates how Africa’s journey toward leadership in science is founded on creativity and resilience .President Mahama stressed that knowledge-driven economies are the blueprint for national advancement, having helped other nations accelerate growth, build resilience, and enhance citizens’ quality of life. He noted that, at independence, Ghana's GDP exceeded that of South Korea and others—but those nations pulled ahead by prioritizing investments in knowledge. Ghana, he affirmed, can still catch up .

He highlighted innovation as the key catalyst for transformative development across sectors—ranging from food security and healthcare to energy, infrastructure, security, and climate adaptation . Whether in modern agriculture, smart cities, renewable energy, or genomic medicine, Mahama said, “the future belongs to those who invest in knowledge and apply it wisely.” He remarked that hosting ARISE in Accra was a testament to Ghana’s commitment to this vision .He called for the Accra meeting to inspire dialogue, spark meaningful action and coordination, and drive sustainable investment in science, research, and innovation. The event, he said, must strengthen the interface between science and economic development .

IMAGE ANALYSIS 

1. Yes. The image of Ronald Reagan, prominently featured with an American flag background, directly aligns with the headline's reference to him.

2.  The image evokes seriousness, nostalgia, and perhaps controversy, especially for politically aware audiences familiar with Reagan-era policies.

3.  While the photo is not overtly manipulated, using a formal image of Reagan with patriotic symbolism (the flag) could subtly influence readers to see him as authoritative—possibly contrasting with the critical tone of the article.

4. Framed tightly around Reagan’s face with dramatic lighting and a soft patriotic blur in the background, the image adds gravitas and focuses the reader on him as the central figure of blame.

5.  It reinforces the headline by directly tying the critique of social program cuts to Reagan’s persona and legacy.

6. A photo showing affected communities or welfare recipients might have made the issue more personal or empathetic rather than ideological.

7.This image is more symbolic than typical articles that show statistics, protest scenes, or poverty-stricken areas—indicating an opinion piece rather than a data-driven report.

8.  Absolutely. Reagan remains a politically symbolic figure. Using his image highlights longstanding ideological divides over welfare and governmental responsibility.

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Headline

On alleged spike of assaults against agents, ICE releases illuminating new data

(Government defends ICE agents by citing violence against them.

IMAGE ANALYSIS

1. Yes. The image shows ICE and police agents visually linking to the topic of enforcement officers under alleged threat.

  2.It evokes tension, authority, and possibly intimidation. The gear and close-up of tactical vests can generate urgency or fear.

 3. The image isn’t overtly manipulated but shows agents in intimidating tactical gear, which may frame them as either under siege or excessively militarized—depending on the reader’s perspective.

 4.Tight framing on the bold labels “ICE” and “POLICE” creates a stark, authoritative visual. The lack of facial visibility adds anonymity and possibly dehumanization.

 5.The image reinforces the narrative that ICE agents are in dangerous situations. It visually supports the claim of threats against them.

 6.Including graphs of assault data or footage of actual assaults might have shifted focus from emotion to facts.

7.Other outlets might use protest images or courtroom visuals. MSNBC’s choice emphasizes enforcement and confrontation.

8.Strongly yes. ICE is a politically charged agency, and visuals involving them usually reflect larger debates on immigration, policing, and civil rights.