Ndewura Jakpa Senior High School (NDESCO) has emerged victorious in this year’s savannah region Energy Commission Renewable Energy Challenge, held at Damongo.
Sponsored by the Energy Commission of Ghana, the competition held on Tuesday, 2nd July, 2024, brought together schools to showcase innovative projects under the theme “Application of Renewable Energy Technologies in Solving Land Degradation and Water Pollution”.
The challenge, which is open to all Senior High and Technical Schools in Ghana, aims to develop students’ research skills, promote technological innovation in renewable energy and energy efficiency, and instill a passion for solving environmental challenges.
This year, three schools from the Savannah region participated: Ndewura Jakpa Senior High School, Bole Senior High School and Damongo Senior High School.
Ndewura Jakpa Senior High School’s winning project focused on a household water treatment plant powered by solar energy. The project utilized materials such as fine sand, coarse sand, gravel, Moringa seed solution as a coagulant, and charcoal.
The team, comprising Osei Bonsu Felicia, Dabuo Francis, and Mahama Mohammed, impressed the judges with their innovative approach to clean water solutions.
Damongo Senior High School presented a project on solar-powered greenhouse irrigation farming, while Bole Senior High School showcased a project on preventing land degradation using Moringa Oleifera seeds and household water clarification.
Mr. Julius Nkansah Nyarko, Senior Manager of Renewable Energy Regulation and project coordinator, delivered a welcome address, emphasizing the importance of innovation and sustainability in addressing environmental issues.
He highlighted the challenge’s origins and its growth into a national initiative, involving numerous schools across Ghana aimed at bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry needs, fostering practical skills and innovation.
Mr. Nyarko also praised the dedication of school heads and teachers in nurturing future environmental stewards and encouraged students to embrace the challenge with enthusiasm and determination, emphasizing the transformative power of their ideas
Mr. Kofi Apeatse Odum, Savannah Regional Director of Education, praised the participants for their efforts and encouraged them to improve their presentation skills for future competitions.
He commended the Energy Commission for its continued support and sponsorship, which fosters educational development and innovation in Ghana.
The Energy Commission’s commitment to the long-term sustainability of the challenge includes partnerships with organizations like the Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) to commercialize students’ projects.
Previous winning projects, such as the “Farmers Friend” and “Solar Dehydrator,” are being refined for broader use.
The 2024 competition highlighted the ingenuity and creativity of Ghana’s youth, reinforcing the nation’s dedication to environmental sustainability and innovation.
Since its inception, the challenge has grown from a pilot program involving 29 schools in Greater Accra to a national initiative with 125 participating schools from all 16 regions of Ghana last year. The winning school, Sogakofe SHS, received a prize package worth GHS 205,000, including a 5kWp solar PV system and various other rewards.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
