Energy Commission of Ghana Launches Seventh Edition of Senior High Schools Renewable Energy Challenge
The Energy Commission of Ghana has officially kicked off the seventh edition of its flagship programme, the Senior High Schools Renewable Energy Challenge. This year’s event, branded the “Champion of Champions” competition, brings together 17 secondary schools from across the nation to showcase innovative renewable‑energy solutions.
Background and Growth of the Challenge
First introduced in 2019 with just six schools in the Greater Accra Region, the challenge has steadily expanded into a nationwide platform that promotes science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education while encouraging practical renewable‑energy innovation.
According to the Energy Commission’s 2025 impact report, the initiative attracted more than 120 schools from all regions of Ghana, reflecting a growing appetite among young people to engage with clean‑energy technologies.
Champion of Champions Category
To recognise sustained excellence, the Commission introduced the Champion of Champions category in the current edition. This tier pits previous winners and top‑performing schools against one another, pushing participants to achieve higher levels of creativity, technical rigor and scalability.
Mr Chris Nanabanyin Yalley, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, explained that the new category underscores a collective commitment to harness the ingenuity of Ghanaian students in building a sustainable future.
Theme and Objectives
The 2025 challenge runs under the theme “Using renewable energy to power Ghana’s 24/7 green economy.” This aligns with the national ambition to develop a resilient, inclusive economy that operates around the clock while relying on clean, reliable electricity.
Prof John Gartchie Gatsi, Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission, emphasized that achieving a 24‑hour economy demands dependable power for farmers, market women, rural health workers and other essential service providers. He urged students to design solutions that directly address these community needs.
Statements from Government Leaders
Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Mr Richard Gyan‑Mensah, praised the programme for nurturing the next generation of renewable‑energy experts and entrepreneurs. He noted that while Ghana has achieved nearly 90 percent electricity access, many remote and underserved communities still lack reliable power due to the high cost of extending the national grid.
Mr Gyan‑Mensah highlighted that renewable technologies—such as solar photovoltaic systems, mini‑grids and biomass solutions—offer practical pathways to bridge this gap, supporting both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
He challenged participants to create projects that are:
- Technically sound
- Financially viable
- Scalable
- Socially impactful
According to the Deputy Minister, the competition serves as a discovery platform for future leaders in renewable energy and energy technology.
Impact and Success Stories
Over the past six years, the challenge has yielded a range of innovative projects that address real‑world challenges:
- Microbial fuel cells that generate electricity from organic waste
- Clean cooking technologies that reduce reliance on firewood and charcoal
- Mechanized agriculture tools powered by solar energy
- Solutions aimed at combating land degradation and water pollution
These examples, cited by Mr Yalley during the launch, illustrate how student‑led innovations can translate into tangible benefits for Ghanaian communities.
Looking Ahead
The Energy Commission plans to continue monitoring the long‑term impact of the challenge through periodic assessments, ensuring that the programme remains aligned with national goals for STEM education, renewable‑energy adoption and community development.
By fostering a culture of innovation among senior high school students, the Commission aims to build a pipeline of skilled professionals who will drive Ghana’s transition to a greener, more resilient energy future.
