The Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan Mensah, has challenged students across the country to develop innovative renewable energy solutions capable of addressing Ghana’s energy and environmental challenges while supporting the country’s transition to a 24-hour green economy.
He said young people have a critical role to play in shaping the nation’s energy future and must be encouraged to apply science, technology and innovation to solving real-world problems.
Mr. Mensah made the call at the launch of the seventh edition of the Energy Commission’s Senior High Schools Renewable Energy Challenge, dubbed “Champions of Champions,” in Accra.
The competition is being held under the theme, “Harnessing Renewable Energy to Power Ghana’s 24-Hour Green Economy,” and will feature 17 senior high schools from across the country competing in zonal contests before six schools advance to the national grand finale in Accra.
“As a nation, we must seize the opportunities presented by renewable energy and emerging technologies. We want students to develop solutions that address real challenges and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
Richard Gyan Mensah, Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition
Promoting Innovation Through Education
Addressing participants at the launch, Mr. Mensah described the Renewable Energy Challenge as an important platform for nurturing innovation and encouraging students to apply their knowledge to national development.
He emphasized that the competition extends beyond the pursuit of awards and recognition, noting that its broader objective is to inspire students to develop technologies and solutions capable of improving lives and supporting sustainable development.
According to him, empowering young people to think creatively about energy challenges is essential to achieving Ghana’s long-term energy and environmental goals.
The Deputy Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, Chris Nanabanyin Yalley, said the competition has evolved into a national platform for identifying and nurturing future leaders within Ghana’s energy sector.
He explained that the programme provides students with practical exposure to renewable energy technologies while encouraging innovation and problem-solving.
Mr. Yalley noted that the challenge continues to play an important role in cultivating interest in clean energy solutions among young people and preparing them for future opportunities within the sector.
Emerging Opportunities In Green Economy
The Chief of Partnerships and Investment at the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Secretariat, Dr. Ishmael Nii Amarnor Doodo, urged students to position themselves for opportunities emerging from the global shift toward greener economies.
He noted that sectors such as renewable energy, engineering, technology, manufacturing, research and entrepreneurship are expected to generate significant employment opportunities in the coming years.
According to him, developing relevant skills and expertise will be critical for young people seeking to benefit from the transition to cleaner and more sustainable economies.
The Director of STEM Education at the Ghana Education Service, Olivia Serwaa Opare, underscored the importance of investing in education, innovation and clean energy infrastructure to drive inclusive national development.
She stressed that sustainable energy remains a critical component of economic transformation, with direct benefits for healthcare delivery, education, industrial productivity and social inclusion.
Mrs. Opare further highlighted the need to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills required to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s development agenda.
Competition Heads To Zonal Stage
Under the competition format, participating schools will first compete at the zonal level, with the six best-performing institutions earning places in the national grand finale in Accra.
The final stage will determine the overall winner of the competition, with the successful school claiming the coveted “Champion of Champions” title.
Organisers say the challenge continues to serve as a catalyst for innovation, inspiring students to develop practical renewable energy solutions while contributing to Ghana’s broader green transition agenda.
READ ALSO: G7 Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Lebanon, Backs US-Iran Deal
