The 2025 Volta Regional Renewable Energy Challenge for Senior High Schools, Technical, and TVET institutions was a resounding success at Ola Girls Senior High School in Ho. The event was a powerful call to action for innovation, sustainability, and youth empowerment in the renewable energy sector.
Under the theme “Sustainable Energy and a Healthier Future”, the challenge brought together student innovators, educators, and policy leaders to showcase practical, student-driven renewable energy solutions that align with Ghana’s developmental agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In a keynote address that captivated the audience, Frederick Appiah, the Deputy Director for Renewable Energy Regulation at the Energy Commission, unveiled an ambitious roadmap to move student innovations from concept to commercialization. He emphasized the Commission’s commitment to investing in student ingenuity for long-term impact.
Mr. Appiah announced plans to establish a dedicated fund to support all finalist projects, regardless of the competition’s outcome, with the goal of nurturing high-potential ideas to maturity. Additionally, he revealed that the winning team would have the opportunity to engage with Aschaffen University in Germany for further knowledge enhancement and innovation refinement.
The conference room at Ola Girls SHS was transformed into a hub of innovation, with students presenting a range of clean energy technologies, including solar dehydrators, biogas models, and hybrid systems tailored for rural applications.
Francis Agbemadi, the Volta Regional Director of Education, highlighted the region’s growing role in the national science and innovation space. Despite not having a dedicated STEM school, the Volta Region has gained recognition for its students’ contributions to sustainable innovation.
The Renewable Energy Challenge was praised for preparing students to lead Ghana’s future in energy and environmental sustainability. Participants were encouraged to view the event as a journey of collaboration, capacity-building, and networking opportunities.
Madam Benedictor Agbezudor, the Headmistress of Ola Girls SHS, commended the Commission’s support and mentorship, describing it as an investment in the future of Ghana’s youth. She urged participating students to take the challenge seriously as it could shape their careers, businesses, and legacy.
Aligned with SDGs 3, 6, 7, and 8, the challenge emphasized the importance of showcasing projects with confidence, learning from peers, appreciating diverse perspectives, and building networks for future collaborations.
In closing, Mr. Appiah urged students to innovate for impact and compete with excellence, emphasizing the Energy Commission’s mission to prepare young Ghanaians to lead the transition towards a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient energy future.
The 2025 Renewable Energy Challenge marked a significant milestone in democratizing innovation, decentralizing opportunities, and empowering young Ghanaians to drive sustainable change in the energy sector.
