Accra: The Presbyterian Boys Senior High School (PRESEC) Legon from the Greater Accra Region has claimed victory in the sixth edition of the National Senior High Schools (SHS) Renewable Energy Challenge. In the finals, PRESEC surpassed five other schools by presenting an innovative project that focused on the commercial potential of community-developed solutions.
According to Ghana News Agency, the challenge was organized by the Energy Commission, the Ghana Education Service, and various partners and sponsors. This year’s theme was ‘Sustainable Energy for a Healthier Future’ with a focus on Food Security, Waste Management, and Health Delivery. PRESEC Legon presented ‘HealthPort,’ a solar-powered system aimed at enhancing access to primary healthcare, which earned them the top spot with a score of 81 per cent.
The school’s victory was celebrated with a range of prizes, including a 7kWp Solar PV complete system with a one-year installation and maintenance plan, 25 LED Streetlights, 25 GAST Integrated Science Books, skeletal system plaques, and a cash prize of GHS10,000. The team members also received GH? 15,000. The Ahantaman Girls SHS secured second place with 79 per cent, winning a cash prize of GH? 7,000 for the school and GH? 10,000 for the team. OLA Girls SHS from the Ahafo Region came third with a score of 76 per cent, receiving GH? 5,000 for the school and GH? 7,500 for the team.
Other schools, including Dabokpa Technical Institute, Adidome SHS, and Damango SHS, placed fourth, fifth, and sixth, respectively, receiving GH? 7,500 for their teams. Ahantaman Girls SHS was recognized as the best presenting team, while PRESEC Legon took home the Innovative Project of the Year award.
Mrs Eunice A. Biritwum, Acting Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, acknowledged the creativity and innovation exhibited by the students in addressing national challenges through renewable energy applications. She emphasized the potential for these projects to contribute significantly to Ghana’s sustainable energy future.
Mrs Biritwum also highlighted the collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to further develop and commercialize selected projects, bridging the gap between academia and industry. Mr Solomon Adjetey, Chief Director of the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, encouraged the students to continue innovating beyond the competition to create commercially viable solutions for national issues.
He praised the Energy Commission’s efforts in transforming student projects into marketable products through partnerships with CSIR and tertiary institutions. Mr Adjetey urged the students to view themselves as inventors and entrepreneurs, playing a vital role in Ghana’s sustainable development.