By Edward Dankwah, GNA | Edited by Christabel Addo
The Presbyterian Boys Senior High School (PRESEC) Legon, from the Greater Accra Region, has been crowned champions at the sixth edition of the National Senior High Schools (SHS) Renewable Energy Challenge.
PRESEC topped five other schools in the finals, where the participants were expected to present unique projects and come up with an innovation of something being developed by the community and its partners for commercialisation.
The challenge, organised by the Energy Commission, the Ghana Education Service, and various partners and sponsors, had the theme “Sustainable Energy for a Healthier Future”, with the focus being on Food Security, Waste Management, and Health Delivery.”
The winners, PRESEC Legon, presented “HealthPort”, an innovative solar-powered system designed to improve access to primary healthcare.
The new champions, who had 81 per cent, were presented with a 7kWp Solar PV complete system (with installation & maintenance plan for a year), 25 LED Streetlights, 25 GAST Integrated Science Books, four Skeletal System, Plaque, and a cash prize of GH¢10,000.00 for the school, while the team also received GH₵ 15,000.00.
The Ahantaman Girls SHS, who placed second with a score of 79 per cent, received a cash prize of GH₵ 7,000 while the team received GH₵ 10,000.
OLA Girls SHS, from the Ahafo Region, placed third with a score of 76 per cent and received GH₵ 5,000 for the school with GH₵ 7,500 for the team.
Dabokpa Technical Institute, Adidome SHS, and Damango SHS placed fourth, fifth, and sixth, respectively, with scores of 75 per cent, 74 per cent, and 73 per cent and received GH₵ 7,500 for the various teams.
Additionally, the Ahantaman Girls SHS was adjudged the best presenting team, while PRESEC Legon won the Innovative Project of the Year.
Mrs Eunice A. Biritwum, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, said the Challenge had once again demonstrated the creativity and innovation of young Ghanaians in developing practical solutions to national issues.
She said the students’ projects showcased how renewable energy could be applied to improve the focus areas of the year’s competition, reflecting their intellect and commitment towards shaping a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for Ghana.
Mrs Biritwum said through the Commission’s collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), efforts would be made to develop selected projects and commercialise the best one.
“This will enable us to bridge the gap between academia and industry,” she added.
Mr Solomon Adjetey, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, urged participating students in the challenge to move beyond the competition and focus on developing other innovative solutions that could be commercialised to address national challenges.
He commended the Energy Commission for ensuring that student projects go beyond prototypes to become viable commercial products through partnerships with the CSIR and other tertiary institutions.
“Your ideas matter, your innovations are needed, and your resilience will shape the future of our communities,” he said.
The Chief Director encouraged the students to see themselves as inventors and entrepreneurs whose creativity could drive Ghana’s sustainable development.
Source: gna.org.gh