Accra, Ghana – From May 14 to 16, 2025, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) Ghana, in partnership with the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC) at the University of Waterloo, hosted the third edition of the Helping Teachers Teach Mathematics Conference (HTTMC) at the University of Ghana. The 3-day hybrid event brought together 200 mathematics educators in person from across Ghana and 300+ online from other African countries including Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, creating a vibrant platform for professional development, collaboration, and innovation in mathematics teaching.

Under the banner of strengthening mathematical capacity and modernizing classroom instruction, HTTMC 2025 featured an impressive lineup of plenary sessions, practice-based tutorials, and parallel presentations by local and international educators. The event built on the success of its inaugural edition, continuing AIMS Ghana’s mission as a UNESCO Category II Centre of Excellence to transform mathematics education through teacher empowerment.

The conference commenced with welcoming remarks from the AIMS Ghana Centre President, Dr. Prince K. Osei and an energizing icebreaker session, setting the tone for three days of impactful learning. Plenary speakers, including Prof. Emmanuel Essel from the University of Cape Coast, led insightful discussions on topics such as classroom best practices and the role of quantum mechanics in high school education.

Sessions throughout the conference tackled diverse and pressing themes in mathematics education. Dr. Salomey Addo introduced the PRIMM framework for programming instruction, while Prof. Gloria Armah presented research on statistical reasoning challenges among pre-service teachers. Other presenters explored themes ranging from integrating games and puzzles into the curriculum to addressing math anxiety and supporting students with special learning needs.

Online speakers added a global dimension to the conference, with contributors from institutions such as NASA, the University of Waterloo, and IDEMS International sharing interactive strategies and technology-enhanced methods for engaging students in mathematics.

Day three of the conference culminated in a plenary talk by Dr. Angela Tabiri from AIMS Ghana which aligned with UNESCO’s proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.

This was followed by a lively panel discussion on “Math Anxiety and How It Can Be Overcome” which brought together a distinguished group of education stakeholders. The panel featured Ms. Rhoda Nana Safowa, External Relations and Public Engagement Manager at AIMS Ghana; Prof. Comfort Mintah, Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo; Mr. Daniel Yeboah, General Manager of Presbyterian Schools; and Mr. Reginald Quartey from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment in Ghana, skillfully moderated by Mr. Joel Bamfo-Appiah, Senior Program Officer at AIMS Ghana. Together, they shared insightful perspectives and practical strategies aimed at building learner confidence and creating more supportive, inclusive mathematics classrooms.

There were also creative teaching pitches by participants, showcasing innovative ideas for classroom transformation. Attendees departed not only with new tools and resources, but also with renewed enthusiasm for their roles in shaping future generations of mathematicians.

Organizers Dr. Comfort Mintah and Dr. Angela Tabiri stated that HTTMC 2025 reaffirmed the critical role of teachers in Africa’s STEM advancement and underscored the power of collaborative learning. As one of AIMS Ghana’s flagship outreach initiatives, with support from partners like the CEMC, the conference continues to drive its vision of excellence in mathematics education across the continent.