Mobile Web Ghana, in partnership with the U.S. Embassy Ghana, has organized the “Crowning the Math Queen” competition to celebrate National STEM Day.
Held at the American Corner in Accra, the event is part of an ongoing monthly STEM Series to inspire young girls to develop confidence and excel in math through dynamic, interactive experiences.
The competition featured various engaging activities, including math-themed modeling, poem recitations, and problem-solving challenges, culminating in the crowning of the “Math Queen.”
Princess Sarah Baba-Adam from New Legon AdMA Model Junior High School was crowned as the Math Queen, with Diamond Kish from Ancilla Primary and Junior High School as the 1st Runner-Up, and Queen Naa Odoley Sowah from Hallmark International School as the 2nd Runner-Up.
Florence Toffa, Director of Mobile Web Ghana, emphasized the importance of fostering interest in STEM among young girls and making math more accessible and enjoyable. “This program encourages girls to see math as attainable and not intimidating,” Toffa said, noting that the initiative also aims to bridge educational gaps between public and private schools.
“We’re looking for partners to expand this program across the country, creating equal opportunities for girls everywhere to excel in math and STEM.”
Dr. Gloria Agyewaa Atwi Botchway, Lecturer at the Department of Mathematics, University of Ghana, and one of the event’s judges highlighted the need to shift perceptions of math as a challenging subject. “Math is about mindset—approaching it confidently makes all the difference,” she explained.
Dr. Botchway urged students to consider math as a vital skill that fosters critical thinking and opens doors to careers in fields like engineering, finance, and technology.
Princess Sarah Baba-Adam, crowned as the Math Queen, expressed her excitement about her achievement. “Being the winner today feels incredible. The competition was challenging at times, and I had to persevere.
There were moments, especially during the presentation, when I felt nervous, but I stayed focused and made it through,” she said. Sarah encouraged her peers to keep a positive mindset toward math. “Math isn’t hard if you approach it with an open mind. It only seems tough if you tell yourself it is, but it can be really fun.”
Queen Naa Odoley Sowah, the 2nd Runner-Up, also reflected on her experience. “I feel really lucky to have placed in the competition. At first, nerves got in the way, and I found myself missing some easy questions.
But once we got to the logical reasoning section, I started enjoying it more and could focus better,” she shared. Queen Naa advised other girls to approach math as a game, recommending that they create fun ways to practice with friends.
Diamond Kish, the 1st Runner-Up from Ancilla Primary and Junior High School, shared that while she typically prefers English, the competition opened her mind to the possibilities in math. “I love reading, so math hasn’t been my main interest.
But now I see that anyone can succeed in it with the right attitude and effort. Math may seem challenging, but if you work hard and stay positive, it’s something anyone can master.”
The “Crowning the Math Queen” competition serves as a significant step toward empowering young girls in STEM and building a foundation for future women leaders in science, technology, and mathematics across Ghana
Source: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo/newsghana.com.gh
