By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The Energy Commission of
Ghana has launched the 7th edition of its Senior High Schools Renewable Energy
Challenge, bringing together top-performing students from across the country to
develop innovative energy solutions aimed at supporting Ghana’s transition to a
green economy.
The competition, themed
“Harnessing Renewable Energy to Power Ghana’s 24-Hour Green Economy,” and
described as the Champions of Champions edition, is being implemented with
support from the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, the Ghana Education
Service, the Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training Service, and
the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.
Speaking at the launch,
Deputy Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, Mr. Chris Nanabanyin
Yalley, highlighted the evolution of the programme and acknowledged past
winners, including Gyaman Pensan SHS, Kpedze SHS, Sogakofe SHS, Kpando SHS, and
the 2025 champions, Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School. He urged
participating students to go beyond creativity and focus on developing
solutions that are financially viable, scalable, and implementable.
Board Chairman of the Energy
Commission, Professor John Gartchie Gatsi, stressed the importance of reliable
electricity access in achieving Ghana’s 24-hour economy ambition. He encouraged
students to design solutions that address the needs of farmers, market traders,
and rural health workers, particularly in underserved communities.
The Deputy Minister for
Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah, also addressed the
launch, urging students to prioritize innovations that support rural
development and accelerate Ghana’s energy transition. He reaffirmed
government’s commitment to nurturing young innovators in the renewable energy
sector.
Priority focus areas for the
challenge include renewable energy applications in irrigation and agriculture,
ICT-enabled rural education, small-scale industrial solutions, and improved
healthcare delivery in rural communities.
