The Director of the Centre for Asian Studies at the University of Ghana (UG), Professor Lloyd Adu Amoah, has proposed integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) into Gha­na's education system to enhance the role of art education.He argued that rather than solely adopting the Technology, Engi­neering, and Mathematics (STEM) programme, it was essential to critically examine the arts compo­nent to foster talent development and improve critical thinking skills in education."Arts education, which encom­passes areas but is not limited to music, film, crafts, visual arts, literature, and cultural awareness, should not be overlooked as they are vital components of a rap­idly growing global sector," he explained.Professor Amoah was speaking at the Korea International Cooper­ation Agency (KOICA) VolunteerConference at Aburi on Friday to review the achievement of the KOICA Volunteer programme and explore strategies to improve Ghana's development.They were drawn from the education, health, media and Civil Society where volunteers of the programme have served.Professor Amoah called for the formulation of policy that supports STEAM education at all levels and urged stakeholders to consider his proposal of ensuring arts play a key role in education."We must ensure that the hu­manities and arts remain a priority.

In fact, without the humanities and social sciences, digital technology as we know it would not exist.

Phi­losophy, which includes the study of logic, is what gave rise to this digital world.It is logical thinking that leads to the development of technologies.

Therefore, arts and humanities are the foundations of science, and they must be nurtured in our schools," he stated.The Country Director of KOICA, Mr Dong Hyun Lee, re­affirmed KOICA's commitment to promote sustainable development in Ghana through volunteerism and technical cooperation.He disclosed that this year, KOI­CA would increase its volunteers in areas of ICT education, and called for collaboration between organ­isations to ensure the successful integration and impact of Korean volunteers under the KOICA.He explained that the pro­gramme remained the key pillar of their government development cooperation efforts, as skilled professionals serve as volunteers to partner with developing coun­tries to support capacity-building, knowledge exchange and sustain­able development.A Research Officer at the Min­istry of Education and Member of KOICA Alumni Association Ghana, Mr Kinsley Boachie, on his part called for the strengthening of moral education in Ghana's education.Moreover, he explained that moral education taught learners to be honest and respectful, as well as the responsibility for taking ac­tions and decisions that help them become responsible people.Mr Boachie said moral educa­tion, which was taught at all levels of Korean education, had helped the country to have responsi­ble citizens who inculcated the cultures of their country in all aspects of their endeavours. FROM BERNARD BENG­HAN, ABURI