Renewable energy key to supporting Ghana's 24-hour economy agenda

The Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah, has underscored the critical role of renewable energy in powering Ghana’s 24-hour economy agenda, urging students to develop innovative solutions that can help bridge the country’s energy access gap.

According to him, renewable energy technologies such as solar systems, mini-grids, off-grid solutions, and biomass technologies offer practical opportunities to provide reliable electricity to remote and underserved communities while promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Speaking at the launch of the 7th Edition of the Energy Commission Senior High Schools Renewable Energy Challenge – Champion of Champions on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Gyan-Mensah said the competition aligns directly with the government’s vision of building a productive and resilient green economy.

“While Ghana has achieved nearly 90 percent electricity access, many remote and underserved communities still lack reliable power due to the high cost of extending the national grid. Renewable energy solutions such as solar systems, mini-grids, off-grid systems, and biomass technologies provide practical opportunities to bridge this gap while promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability,” he said.

He noted that over the past six years, the challenge has evolved from a small competition involving six schools into a nationally recognised platform that promotes innovation, creativity, and renewable energy education among young people.

He also said students participating in the competition had developed practical solutions to address challenges in agriculture, clean cooking, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

However, he explained that for the first time, previous winners and top-performing schools would return to compete not only on creativity but also on sustainability, long-term impact, and real-world relevance.

He further encouraged students to think beyond the classroom and approach their projects as engineers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.

“Design solutions that are technically sound, financially practical, and socially impactful. Consider financing, maintenance, and scalability,” he advised.

The minister commended the Energy Commission for introducing the Champion of Champions concept and undertaking a six-year impact assessment of the programme, saying it demonstrates a commitment to measurable transformation in renewable energy adoption, STEM education, and community development.

Gyan-Mensah also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education, teachers, mentors, parents, sponsors, and other stakeholders for their continued support of the initiative.

ANAS/MA

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