Ghana News
‘Mac and Cheese Should Be the Fourth Emergency Service’: 11-Year-Old Science Prodigy Wows With Wit, Wisdom & Big Dreams
Last month on the Make Your Mark podcast, an 11-year-old science prodigy known widely as “Sean the Science Kid” delivered one of the most refreshingly brilliant—and surprisingly hilarious—interviews of the year.
From debunking myths about the human brain to explaining anxiety through classical mechanics, Sean Atitsogbe moved effortlessly between childlike humor and scientific precision. But it was one moment in particular—equal parts absurd and endearing—that instantly captured the internet’s attention.
Asked what he would change in the world using science, the young aspiring surgeon didn’t choose medicine as his first answer. Instead, he declared: “I’d make mac and cheese delivery the fourth emergency service.”
That mix of imagination, intelligence, and unfiltered kid energy is exactly what has made the young Ghanaian-American standout not just a viral sensation, but a symbol of what early talent can become when nurtured with intention.
A Child Scientist With a Surgeon’s Mind and a Comedian’s Timing
Sean, whose full name means “gift from God on my right hand”, dreams of becoming a neurocardio surgeon, a specialty he explains with startling clarity:
“The brain and heart are connected very closely. If your brain stops working, it can’t tell your heart to pump. If your heart stops working, your brain dies in eight seconds.”
His ability to simplify complex systems is matched only by his ability to debunk common myths.
“People say you only use 10% of your brain. No—that’s fake. You use 100%. If 90% of your brain was just lying there, you’d be confagulating on the floor.”
The word “confagulating,” he noted, he invented himself.
“Learning Is Play” — Sean’s Science Philosophy
Despite his advanced grasp of anatomy and neuroscience, Sean pushes back against the idea that intelligence grows only through intense academic work.
“Learning is play. People think you need derivative equations to stimulate your brain. No. Play teaches pain, social skills, home sense.”
“Home sense”—as his mother calls it—includes chores.
Though when asked if he is as good at chores as at science, the prodigy paused before answering:
“Enough.”
Growing Up Gifted — and the Parenting That Made It Possible
Sean’s mother revealed that he is their “miracle baby” after 12 years of waiting and multiple miscarriages. But beyond the miracle, she and Sean’s father have intentionally built an environment where curiosity is not punished, but cultivated.
Sean explained it this way:
“My mom was gifted too, but when she made witty remarks, people told her to stop talking too much. My parents let me flourish instead.”
He sees this as a broader issue in many African households.
“Your kid doesn’t have to be me to be smart. Parents should let children grow in what they choose. Teach what they want to learn.”
A Prodigy Who Still Loves Chick-fil-A and Fears Roaches
For all his brilliance, Sean is still undeniably 11.
His favorite New York food so far?
Chick-fil-A.
His greatest fear besides death?
Roaches. Absolutely not negotiating with roaches.
His advice for handling roller coaster anxiety?
Never close your eyes—a tip grounded in physics and physiology.
Already Breaking Barriers
Sean visited New York for the “Future Black Stars” ceremony, where he received a youth innovation honor.
What struck him most?
Not the award—not at first.
Not the famous guests.
Not even the cameras.
It was the fact that adults in the room treated him as an equal.
“They didn’t care that I was a kid. They still invited me. That means what I’m doing has real impact.”
And then he proudly recounted winning two Amazon Echo devices on a spin-the-wheel at the summit’s expo.
“I think I need to get a lottery card,” he joked.
His Mission: “Fix Science Literacy”
Toward the end of the conversation, the young scientist became serious, even whispering for emphasis.
“The problem I want to solve is science literacy.”
Through his platform, Learning With Sean the Science Kid, he creates videos aimed at helping children—and adults—understand science without fear or intimidation.
AI, he argues, can help with this.
“AI is amazing if you use it to understand concepts, not to cheat. People just need to use it the right way.”
But he worries about AI scams, recalling a viral case involving a fake AI robot puppy.
A Reminder of What’s Possible When Children Are Supported
Sean’s story resonates far beyond science. It is a story about parenting, culture, opportunity, and the power of allowing children to be curious.
He is brilliant—but also funny, imaginative, relatable, and deeply grounded in faith and family.
And yes, he still thinks mac and cheese deserves its own emergency badge.
In a world hungry for hope and possibility, Sean the Science Kid offers both in abundance—reminding us that genius doesn’t always arrive in a lab coat. Sometimes it arrives with a Chick-fil-A bag, two free Echo devices, and an 11-year-old’s dream to heal the world.
Stay tuned for real-time stories breaking in Ghana. Return to the page for more stories as they break. (Updated February 17, 2026).
Court Orders Businessman to Pay GH¢200,000 for Breach of Promise to Marry
An Accra Circuit Court has ordered a businessman to pay GH¢200,000 in damages to a woman for breach of promise to marry after he failed to fulfil his commitment following a long-term relationship. The ruling, delivered February 14, 2026, followed evidence that the defendant had repeatedly assured the plaintiff of marriage, including family introductions and public engagements, before abruptly ending the relationship without justification. The court found the breach caused emotional distress and financial loss to the plaintiff. The case highlights ongoing legal recognition of breach of promise claims in Ghanaian courts.
Read the full story here
Late Frafra Queen Mother’s Grave Exhumed in Asante Mampong – Head Reportedly Chopped Off
The grave of the late Queen Mother of the Frafra community in Asante Mampong has been exhumed, with reports indicating her head was severed and removed. The incident, discovered on February 14, 2026, has shocked the traditional leadership and community, who suspect ritual or malicious intent. Police have launched an investigation, and chiefs have called for calm while traditional rites are performed to restore peace. The desecration has raised serious concerns about grave security and cultural respect in the Ashanti Region.
Read the full story here
COCOBOD Announces Salary Cuts, Cost Controls as Revenue Pressures Mount
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has introduced salary reductions for senior management and broad cost-control measures to address mounting revenue shortfalls and legacy debt. The February 14, 2026, announcement follows emergency Cabinet directives to stabilise the sector, with COCOBOD citing declining global cocoa prices, unpaid arrears, and financing constraints. The measures are intended to preserve operational capacity and ensure continuity of farmer payments and purchasing activities.
Read the full story here
Mahama Govt Has Made No Real Impact After One Year in Office – Afenyo-Markin
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has criticised the Mahama administration, stating that after one year in office, the government has failed to deliver tangible improvements in the lives of Ghanaians. In a February 14, 2026, address, he accused the NDC of recycling old policies, failing to address cost-of-living pressures, and lacking innovation in job creation and economic recovery. The Minority called for urgent results on the “Reset Ghana” promises made during the 2024 campaign.
Read the full story here
Mahama Rallies Fellow World Leaders to Support Accra Reset
President John Dramani Mahama has appealed to African and global leaders to support Ghana’s “Reset” agenda during his address at the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa. On February 13, 2026, he outlined the initiative’s focus on governance renewal, economic transformation, anti-corruption measures, and regional cooperation, urging the AU to back Ghana’s efforts as a model for continental progress. Mahama also reiterated Ghana’s push for AfCFTA acceleration and debt relief mechanisms.
Read the full story here
Tony Aidoo Urges NDC to Focus on Policy Communication, Not Personal Praise for Mahama
Veteran NDC member Tony Aidoo has cautioned the party against excessive personal praise for President John Dramani Mahama, urging a shift toward clear policy communication and results. In comments on February 13, 2026, Aidoo said the focus should be on explaining the “Reset Ghana” agenda and delivering measurable outcomes rather than individual glorification. He emphasised that strong policy messaging will sustain public support more effectively than personality-driven narratives.
Read the full story here
Return to the page for more stories as they break
Happy Monday! Stay informed with today’s front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, all in one place. Newspapers for February 17, 2026.
Ghana News
Russian Embassy Criticized for “Empty” Statement on Viral Exploitation Videos involving Citizen
The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Ghana has issued a brief statement in the wake of widespread public anger and social media uproar over allegations that Russian nationals are luring young Ghanaian women into filmed sexual encounters for online distribution without consent.
The release posted on X on February 16, 2026, fails to condemn the alleged exploitation, non-consensual recording, and distribution of intimate material by its nationals.
“The Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Ghana has taken note of the reports in the Ghanaian media on the alleged involvement of a supposedly Russian citizen engaged in sexual activities with some Ghanaian women and recorded those acts without consent,” the post read.
The response comes after days of viral outrage on X, TikTok, Instagram, and WhatsApp groups, where screenshots, testimonies, and alleged links to explicit content prompted hashtags such as #ProtectGhanaianWomen and #StopTheRussianScheme.
MP Sam George, chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Gender, Children and Social Protection, has announced Ghana’s intent to pursue extradition if the primary suspect.
Responses on X
Responses to the post have been stronly worded. One person posted:
“Never trust those Russian scum. They throw African men into their war as cannon fodder & treat African women like disposable sex toys. Pure racist evil. Predators, not partners. WAKE UP AFRICA.”
Another asked:
“Any action taken?”
Another asked:
“So after taking the note, what next?”
Ghanaian authorities have disclosed they will pursue extradition proceedings against the man, said to have left Ghana.
The decision was announced by Member of Parliament Sam George on February 13, 2026, following weeks of public outrage over the alleged scheme.
According to Sam George — who chairs the Parliamentary Committee on Gender, Children and Social Protection — the suspect is believed to be a Russian national who used dating apps and social media to target young Ghanaian women, particularly students and professionals in Accra and other urban centres.
Victims were reportedly lured with promises of money, gifts or relationships, only to discover later that explicit videos were uploaded to adult websites and shared in private groups, often leading to blackmail, humiliation and threats.
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