Ghana’s government plans to double the number of recipients of its mathematics and science scholarship programme from 5,000 to 10,000.

The West African nation’s president, John Dramani Mahama, made the announcement stating that the decision to increase the scholarship numbers was in line with creating opportunities for more people to graduate in the sciences and technology fields.

President Mahama also appealed to the leadership of Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS) to initiate projects that could contribute to the growth of science and technology in that country.

Francis Nkrumah, acting president of GAAS said the fellowship would continue its selection of the best intellectual and professional citizens.

“It has the potential, through the multi- faceted fields of its fellowship, to contribute to virtually every aspect of national development,” he said.

Lee Ocran, Ghana’s minister of Education, commended the Academy for its sustained efforts in extending knowledge of the arts and sciences to Ghanaians.

“The establishment of GAAS fellowship has enabled fellows of the Academy with knowledge and expertise to interact with the various parliamentary select committees to share ideas relating to important issues of science policy and governance,” said Ocran.