‘I would’ve been an engineer; harsh maths instruction discouraged me’ — Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that he might have pursued a career in engineering if Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education had been available during his early school years.

According to him, the way mathematics was taught at the time discouraged many students and eventually influenced his decision to pursue the arts and humanities instead.

President Mahama made the remarks at the launch of the National BSTEM programme for basic schools at Sawla D/A Primary and JHS, as part of his “Resetting Ghana” tour of the Savannah Region.

“Maybe if there had been STEM at the time I was in school, I might now be a civil engineer, or I’ll be a mechanical engineer or something,” he said.

He recalled the harsh methods used in teaching mathematics during his childhood, which he said made learning intimidating for pupils.

“At that time, we used to do mental. They’ll come with a whip — nine times nine, nine times nine, whip! Eighteen times twenty-four, whip! I mean, you just scared the child. How can a child learn mathematics in that kind of atmosphere?” he stated.

According to him, the experience had a lasting impact and contributed to his decision to pursue arts and humanities.

“But that is how we grew up. And so if I drifted to the arts and humanities, it was only natural because I was traumatised by the way it was taught. Today, our children have a better opportunity,” he added.

As part of his itinerary in the Savannah Region, President Mahama is expected to pay courtesy calls on traditional leaders, including the Yagbonwura.

On Saturday, May 23, 2026, he will be accompanied by key sector ministers responsible for Roads and Highways, Education, and Youth Development and Empowerment, as well as other senior government officials.

He is also expected to engage residents in an open forum to outline his administration’s achievements, ongoing policy interventions, and respond to concerns raised by the public.