Ghana Energy Commission hosts 7th Senior High School Renewable Energy Challenge

The Energy Commission of Ghana held the seventh edition of its Senior High School Renewable Energy Challenge in Kumasi. The competition, themed “Harnessing Renewable Energy to Power Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy,” aimed to encourage students to develop practical solutions for the nation's energy challenges through science, technology, and innovation.

Seventeen schools from the Northern and Southern sectors participated in the event. Ahantaman Girls’ Senior High School won the southern zone competition, while Dabokpa Senior High Technical School emerged as the winner of the northern zone. Three schools from each zone will advance to a grand finale in Accra to compete for the ultimate prize.

Organizers and participants highlighted the need for increased financial support for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) students. George Sarpong, Head of Public Affairs at the Energy Commission, noted that a lack of funding often prevents students from developing their renewable energy prototypes further. Participating schools reportedly spent approximately GH¢35,000 to develop their projects. Students have called on government ministries to help scale these innovations commercially, particularly to benefit rural farmers.