Opoku Ware Senior High School (OWASS) has emerged victorious in the 2025 Ashanti Regional Renewable Energy Challenge, impressing judges with their innovative project at the grand finale held at Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI). This year’s competition, now in its sixth edition, is a collaborative initiative between the Energy Commission and the Ghana Education Service (GES), designed to foster science, technology, and innovation in renewable energy among Senior High Schools across the country.
The winning project from OWASS featured the design and construction of a multi-purpose tiller tailored to perform labour-intensive farm operations, particularly in tree crop production. This innovation presents an environmentally friendly and cost-effective tool aimed at supporting agriculture in rural communities, reflecting the school’s commitment to practical and sustainable solutions. OWASS secured first place with an impressive score of 83.3 points.
In a highly competitive contest, Obuasi Senior High Technical School came in second, earning 77.7 points, followed by Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ SHS in third place with 72.7 points. St. Monica’s SHS ranked fourth with 65.2 points, while St. Michael’s SHS, Pramso, secured fifth position with 59.3 points. Sekyedumase SHS came sixth, scoring 53.2 points. Bosomtwe Girls’ SHS closely followed in seventh place with 52.5 points, and Esaase Bontefufuom SHS took eighth place with 50.7 points. KNUST SHS completed the list of finalists in ninth place, earning 50.3 points.
Mr. Julius Nkansah-Nyarko, General Manager of the Renewable Energy Division at the Energy Commission, highlighted the competition’s critical role in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. He emphasized that the challenge provides students with a unique platform to translate academic learning into practical solutions that can positively impact their communities.
Describing the competition as one of the Energy Commission’s flagship programmes, Mr. Nkansah-Nyarko underscored its dedication to nurturing innovation, sustainability, and critical thinking among Ghana’s youth. He also revealed ongoing discussions with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to support the winning schools with funding and technical assistance aimed at scaling their projects and potentially making them commercially viable.
The competition’s objectives focus on promoting innovation in renewable and clean energy, enhancing students’ research and presentation skills, building confidence and teamwork through public recognition, and encouraging climate-conscious solutions among the younger generation.
This year’s contest was divided into Northern and Southern Zones, with Opoku Ware SHS set to represent the Ashanti Region at the zonal level. The top three schools from each zone will then qualify for the national grand finale to be held in Accra.
Madam Hannah Amponsah, Head of Inspectorate at the Ashanti Regional Education Office, praised the participating schools, teachers, and students for their impressive efforts. She thanked the Energy Commission and GES for establishing a platform that promotes innovation and practical learning. “The projects we witnessed today reflect deep understanding and creativity. We are proud of our students and hopeful that they will continue to excel at the next level,” she remarked.
Out of 142 schools initially reviewed, fifteen were shortlisted, with ten finalists showcasing their projects at the regional contest. All finalists received certificates of participation in recognition of their dedication to advancing renewable energy innovation.
The Ashanti Regional Renewable Energy Challenge continues to serve as a vital incubator for developing problem-solvers and change-makers ready to address Ghana’s energy and environmental challenges for years to come.
