By Alex Boye
Dr Patrick Essien, a renowned STEM expert, environmental and space scientist, mining professional, entrepreneur and youth development advocate, has been honoured by the Youth in Me Ghana Awards (YIMGA) for his outstanding contributions to scientific innovation, youth empowerment and national development.
The honour was done to him at a colourful ceremony attended by high profile personalities across the globe at the National Theatre in Accra last saturday.
Among the other personalities honoured were Prof. Elsie Kaufmann noted for her association with the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) and other accomplished figures from various sectors.
Dr Essien received the YIMGA ’26 Special Award for Scientific Innovation, Youth Empowerment & Nation Building, in recognition of his sustained commitment to education, mentorship, scientific advancement and youth development.
According to the citation accompanying the award:
“In recognition of your distinguished contributions to science, environmental sustainability, innovation and youth development, and your exceptional commitment to turning knowledge into opportunities for the next generation.”
The citation further described Dr Essien as an Environmental and Space Scientist, mining expert, entrepreneur and STEM advocate, noting his impactful work in advancing scientific knowledge while empowering young people to explore, innovate and lead.
Championing STEM and Youth Development
Through his leadership as Founder of MOLEX Foundation Africa, Dr Essien has championed initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for young people, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
His commitment to youth development has also been reflected in his engagement with student and youth organisations, including the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), Private Universities Students Association of Ghana (PUSAG) and the Ghana National Union of Polytechnic Students (GNUTS).
As Chairman of the Governing Council of Asuansi Technical Institute, Dr Essien has also continued to promote technical and vocational education as an important pathway for
equipping young people with practical skills for employment, entrepreneurship and national development.
One of his most notable youth-focused initiatives is SHEROES in STEM, established to encourage girls to pursue STEM disciplines while providing them with practical exposure, mentorship and hands-on experience in areas including artificial intelligence, robotics, electronics and emerging technologies.
The initiative has provided a platform for young girls to move beyond simply learning about science to creating, innovating and solving real-world problems.
For many young people, particularly tertiary students and girls aspiring to careers in STEM, Dr Essien has become a mentor and source of inspiration. His approach places emphasis on creating opportunities for young people to discover their abilities, develop practical skills and become contributors to national development.
A Recognition of Service and Responsibility
The YIMGA citation acknowledged this broader impact, stating:
“Through your initiatives in STEM education, mentorship and youth empowerment, you continue to inspire a generation to see science not merely as a discipline, but as a pathway to possibility, progress and national transformation.”
It concluded:
“YIMGA honours you for using knowledge with purpose, innovation with impact, and leadership in service of the future of Ghana and Africa.”
The recognition adds to a growing body of honours Dr Essien has received for his work in
STEM education, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability and technical and vocational education.
For Dr Essien, however, the recognition represents more than an accolade. It reinforces his commitment to using science, education and leadership to create opportunities for the next generation.
His work continues to reflect a simple philosophy: young people do not only need encouragement to dream; they need opportunities, mentorship and the tools to turn those dreams into reality.
As Ghana seeks to strengthen its human capital and prepare young people for an increasingly technology-driven world, initiatives that connect STEM education, innovation, mentorship and practical skills development remain central to the country’s future.
Dr Patrick Essien’s YIMGA recognition therefore celebrates not only what he has accomplished but also the possibilities that can emerge when knowledge is deliberately placed in the service of people, communities, and national development.
