Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Leaders in Ghana: A Career Pathway Initiative

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IEEE ComSoc — STEM Outreach & Education Initiative Report

Air Traffic Safety Electronics Engineer, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority

 


Ing. Isaac Kweku Boakye (SMIEEE), Senior Air Traffic Safety Electronics Engineer at the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, delivered an inspiring STEM career presentation to Year 1 and 2 students at Accra High Senior High School, Ghana. The session, titled "The Sky is Not the Limit," showcased how a STEM foundation can lead to impactful careers, from aviation safety electronics to AI, cybersecurity, and space technology. Students learned about academic pathways, IEEE student membership benefits, and the high global demand for STEM professionals. The initiative exemplifies IEEE's commitment to nurturing the next generation of technical innovators in Africa.



  Date and Time

  Location

  Hosts

  Registration



  • Add_To_Calendar_icon Add Event to Calendar
  • Accra High Senior High School
  • Accra , Ghana
  • Ghana
  • Building: STEM Center

  • Contact Event Host
  • Co-sponsored by IEEE Madras ComSoc Chapter


  Speakers

Ing. Isaac Kweku Boakye of Ghana Civil Aviation Authority

Topic:

Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Leaders in Ghana: A Career Pathway Initiative

Date: 10 July 2026

Time: 9:0 AM to 11:30 AM GMT

Venue: Physical at the STEM Centre of Accra High School

Attendance: IEEE Attendees: 3; Guests Attended: 216

Title: Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Leaders in Ghana: A Career Pathway Initiative

Speaker: Ing. Isaac Kweku Boakye, SPE-GhIE, SMIEEE, M-IFATSEA

Event: "The Sky is Not the Limit: Charting Your STEM Journey" – Presentation to Year 1 & 2 STEM Students at Accra High Senior High School, Ghana (October 7, 2026).

Summary:

This outreach initiative, led by Ing. Isaac Kweku Boakye (Principal Air Traffic Safety Electronics Engineer, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority), aimed to inspire secondary school students in Ghana to pursue STEM careers. The presentation highlighted the critical role of STEM as the "engine room of the modern world" and demonstrated the direct link between foundational subjects (Physics, Mathematics) and high-impact professional fields.

Key Highlights:

v Real-World Application: The presenter shared his experience in Air Traffic Safety Electronics, detailing the communications, navigation, and surveillance (radar) systems that ensure aviation safety in Ghana's airspace.

v Career Pathways: A comprehensive overview of engineering disciplines (Electrical, Aerospace, Civil, Mechanical, Computer, Biomedical) and emerging tech fields (AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Space Technology) was provided to broaden students' horizons.

v Academic & Professional Roadmap: Students were guided on top local universities (KNUST, University of Ghana, Ashesi) and international opportunities, alongside the benefits of joining professional bodies like the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) and IEEE (with specific mention of IEEE-USA's 500,000+ member network and student chapters).

v Actionable Advice: The session emphasized immediate steps for students, including mastering core subjects, learning to code (Python, Scratch), building projects, and seeking mentorship.

v Industry Demand: A comparative chart underscored the high projected global demand for aviation tech (92%), software/cybersecurity (85%), and telecommunications (78%) over the next decade compared to non-STEM fields (35%).

Conclusion:

The presentation successfully bridged the gap between classroom theory and professional practice, leaving students with the empowering message: "Dream. Build. Fly." It serves as a model for IEEE volunteer-led initiatives aimed at strengthening the STEM pipeline in developing regions.

Biography:

Email:

Address:Accra, Ghana, Ghana





Agenda

AGENDA

1. Introduction & Speaker Profile

  • Who is Ing. Isaac Kweku Boakye?

  • Career journey from SHS student to aviation electronics engineer

2. Why STEM Matters

  • The engine room of the modern world

  • 90% of fastest-growing careers require STEM foundations

3. Inside Air Traffic Safety Electronics Engineering

  • Surveillance radar, navigation systems, communications, safety assurance

  • Real-world impact: keeping Ghana's skies safe 24/7

4. Career Pathways & Engineering Disciplines

  • Electrical, Aerospace, Civil, Mechanical, Computer, Biomedical

  • Emerging fields: AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Space Technology

5. Academic & Professional Roadmap

  • Top universities in Ghana and abroad

  • GhIE and IEEE student membership benefits

6. Actionable Steps for Students

  • Master core subjects, learn to code, build projects, find mentors, compete

7. Opportunities & Industry Demand

  • Scholarships, grants, internships, international exchanges

  • Global demand projections for STEM fields

8. Conclusion & Q&A

  • Key takeaways: "Dream. Build. Fly."

  • Open floor for student questions



Affiliation: Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Accra International Airport, Accra, Ghana