The Energy Commission recently organized the 2026 Senior High Schools Renewable Energy Challenge in Kumasi, with the theme “Harnessing Renewable Energy to Power Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy.” This competition aims to encourage young people to develop an interest in renewable energy, science, technology, and innovation. A total of 17 schools from the Northern and Southern Sectors participated in the event.
The participating schools were divided into two zones, with nine schools representing the Southern Zone and eight schools representing the Northern Zone. Forces Senior High Technical School, Tema Manhean Senior High Technical School, and Sogakofe SHS were among the schools that represented the Southern Zone, while Navrongo Senior High School, Nkoranza Technical Institute, and Yaa Asanteman Senior High School represented the Northern Zone.
Addressing the participants, Mr. Chris Nana Banyin Yalley, Acting Deputy Executive Secretary (Administration) of the Energy Commission, encouraged the students to think beyond their classroom learning and develop practical solutions to Ghana's energy challenges. He advised them not to be afraid to express themselves and to believe in their projects. Mr. Yalley disclosed that three schools from the Southern Zone and three from the Northern Zone would qualify for the grand finale in Accra.
Mr. Emmanuel Ocquaye, representing the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), emphasized that the competition goes beyond producing winners to raising champions in renewable energy. He commended the Energy Commission for sustaining the initiative, noting that renewable energy is crucial for energy security, environmental protection, and economic opportunity. Mr. Ocquaye encouraged the students to integrate renewable energy learning into their science and mathematics lessons.
The competition aims to develop school-based projects for a sustainable future and encourage students to move beyond theoretical knowledge to seek creative solutions to national development problems. Mr. Ocquaye noted that the true value of renewable energy education cannot be measured only by trophies won or projects displayed but by the impact it has after the awards.
Ahantaman Girls, Presbyterian Boys, and Kpando Senior High School from the Southern Zone qualified for the grand finale, with Ahantaman Girls emerging first. Dabokpa Technical Institute, Yaa Asantewaa, and Ola Girls qualified from the Northern Zone, with Dabokpa Technical Institute topping the zone. The grand finale will feature six schools competing for the ultimate prize.
The Energy Commission's initiative is crucial in shaping Ghana's energy future, as it encourages young people to think differently and come up with new ideas. The competition provides a valuable framework for examining progress in renewable energy education and its impact on the country's energy sector.
Key points
- The competition encourages students to develop practical solutions to Ghana's energy challenges.
- Three schools from the Southern and Northern Zones will qualify for the grand finale in Accra.
- The initiative aims to raise champions in renewable energy and promote sustainable development.
