The International Day of Mathematics (IDM) 2026 was commemorated in Ghana through a nationwide campaign led by the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS Ghana), in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (National STEM Resource Unit) and the Ghana Education Trust Fund. Celebrated under the global theme “Mathematics and Hope” and the national campaign “Mɛtumi Ayɛ Maths!” (I Can Do Maths!), the initiative aimed to inspire confidence in mathematics among learners and reposition the subject as a tool for innovation, resilience, and national development. The campaign theme of hope in various translations including “Manyɛ Mafee Maths”, “N ni tooi niŋ Maths”, “Mate ŋu awɔ Maths” among others, highlights the transformative role of mathematics as a discipline that is accessible to everyone and capable of unlocking opportunity, innovation and resilience.

As part of the celebrations, outreach activities were held across multiple regions, including Accra, Ashanti, Northern, Oti, Eastern, Volta, and Western Regions. These engagements, led by educators and alumni of the AIMS Master’s in Mathematical Sciences Program for Teachers (MMST), focused on interactive learning experiences designed to spark curiosity and enthusiasm for mathematics among students from upper primary to senior high school levels.

The nationwide campaign culminated in a Grand National Celebration at Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) in Takoradi on 13 March 2026. The event brought together students, teachers, policymakers, and key stakeholders in a vibrant showcase of mathematics in action.

The Takoradi event featured a rich programme of activities, beginning with an opening ceremony that included remarks from education leaders such as Mrs. Olivia Serwaa Opare of the National STEM Resource Unit, and a representative of AIMS Ghana led by Dr. Angela Tabiri, Academic Manager. Additional goodwill messages were delivered by representatives from GETFund and the Western Regional leadership, underscoring the importance of mathematics education in Ghana’s development.

A highlight of the event was the keynote address by Cynthia Ama Mensah, Senior Lecturer at Takoradi Technical University, who spoke on “Mathematics and Hope – Empowering Ghana’s Future Through STEM.” Her address emphasized the critical role of mathematics in shaping future opportunities and inspiring the next generation of innovators.

Students played a central role in the celebration through a variety of engaging and creative activities. These included mathematics role-play and creative art presentations, where learners used drama and storytelling to interpret mathematical concepts, as well as a speed-round mathematics challenge, which tested participants’ problem-solving skills in an interactive quiz format.

The mathematics innovation exhibition provided a platform for students to showcase practical applications of mathematics across areas such as technology, engineering, finance, and environmental sustainability. This was complemented by cultural performances, poetry recitals, and a special presentation by students from Sekondi School for the Deaf, highlighting inclusivity in mathematics education.

The event concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding students, teams, and teachers, followed by a symbolic campaign call and response: “Mɛtumi Ayɛ Maths!” reinforcing the campaign’s message of confidence and possibility.

Overall, IDM 2026 in Ghana served as a powerful demonstration of how mathematics can inspire hope, creativity, and transformation, while strengthening national efforts to promote STEM education and empower the next generation.