Ahantaman Girls’ SHS has clinched first place in the Western Region during the 5th edition of the Energy Commission’s SHS Energy Challenge – 2024 with their innovative project titled “Phytoremediation in Treatment of Polluted Water from Galamsey Using Water Hyacinth.”
This victory secures their spot to represent the Western Region in the upcoming zonal competitions in August, where they will compete alongside 15 other senior high schools from across Ghana. The top six schools from the zonals will advance to the finals on October 8, 2024, to vie for the ultimate prize.
This year’s competition, themed “Application of Renewable Energy Technologies in Solving Land Degradation and Water Pollution,” aims to educate and raise awareness about renewable energy resources and technologies among senior high and technical school students nationwide. It also seeks to foster creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Speaking on behalf of the Regional Director of the Ghana Education Service, Katherine Biney, the Municipal Director of Education at the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly (EKMA), emphasized the importance of partnerships in showcasing student talents and commercializing their innovations.
“GES recognizes the partnership that leads to students showcasing their talents and the commercialization of their innovation to the larger stage. We should open up to learn skills from our colleagues because it will be very good to come out with innovations that will help us solve challenges in the country and the world,” she added.
In his welcome address, the Energy Commission’s Executive Secretary, Ing. Oscar Amonoo-Neizer, highlighted the need to bridge the gap between education and industry.
“For far too long, our educational sector has operated in silos and it’s often disconnected from the ever-evolving needs of our industries. However, initiatives like the Energy Commission Senior High Schools Renewable Energy Challenge serve as a beacon of hope in bridging this divide,” he stated.
He further stressed the theme’s relevance, noting, “Land degradation and water pollution are pressing realities that affect our communities, health, and economy. But within these challenges lie opportunities for innovation and positive change.”
Since its inception in 2019 as a pilot program with 29 schools in the Greater Accra region, the Challenge has grown into a national initiative, capturing widespread interest. Last year, 125 schools from all 16 regions participated, with Sogakofe SHS emerging victorious.
They received an impressive prize package worth GHS 205,000.00, including a complete 5kWp solar PV system, LED streetlights, solar wall lights, science textbooks, and a cash award of GHS 10,000.00. Individual participants received laptops, solar lamps, solar fans, and a combined cash prize of GHS 18,000.00. This year’s prizes are anticipated to be even more enticing.
The enthusiasm and commitment of the participating schools underscore the Challenge’s significance in promoting renewable energy solutions and fostering the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
