Ghana has achieved nearly 90% electricity access, but remote and underdeveloped communities still lack a reliable power supply due to the high cost of expanding the national grid. Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition Richard Gyan-Mensah says renewable energy solutions offer a practical way forward. Solar systems, mini-grids, off-grid systems, and biomass technologies can bridge this gap while driving economic growth and environmental sustainability, he noted.
Gyan-Mensah made the remarks on Wednesday, June 10, at the launch of the 7th Edition of the Energy Commission Senior High Schools Renewable Energy Challenge, Champion of Champions. Operating under the theme “Harnessing Renewable Energy to Power Ghana’s 24-Hour Green Economy,” the initiative aligns directly with Government’s vision for a productive and resilient economy. For the first time, past winning and top-performing schools are returning to compete on sustainability, long-term impact, and real-world relevance not just creativity.
The Deputy Minister challenged participating students to approach the competition with professional mindset. “Your task is not a mere academic exercise. Think like engineers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. Design solutions that are technically sound, financially practical, and socially impactful. Consider financing, maintenance, and scalability,” he said. He commended the Energy Commission for introducing the Champion of Champions framework and conducting a six-year impact assessment, calling it evidence of commitment to measurable transformation in renewable energy adoption, STEM education, and community development.
Gyan-Mensah emphasized the initiative’s broader significance, noting that the Energy Commission has successfully transformed the competition into a national platform for clean energy innovation and youth empowerment. The Deputy Minister’s remarks underscore the Government’s commitment to leveraging young people’s creativity to address Ghana’s energy challenges while building a sustainable future.
Below is his full address…
SPEECH BY THE HONOURABLE DEPUTY MINISTER FOR ENERGY AND GREEN TRANSITION AT THE LAUNCH OF THE 7TH EDITION OF THE ENERGY COMMISSION SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS RENEWABLE ENERGY CHALLENGE, CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS
It is truly a privilege to be here today as we launch the 7th Edition of the Energy Commission Senior High Schools Renewable Energy Challenge, Champion of Champions edition.
What began six years ago as a modest competition involving just six schools has blossomed into a nationally recognised platform for innovation and creativity. Young people across Ghana have seized this opportunity to develop practical, actionable solutions to real challenges from agriculture and clean cooking to energy efficiency and environmental protection. This transformation speaks volumes about the potential we have unleashed.
This year’s edition marks a historic milestone. For the first time, our most successful schools are returning not simply to showcase creativity, but to demonstrate sustainability, lasting impact, and genuine real-world application.
Our theme, “Harnessing Renewable Energy to Power Ghana’s 24-Hour Green Economy” reflects the Government’s vision for a productive and resilient nation. While Ghana has made significant strides, with nearly 90% electricity access achieved, the reality is that many remote and underserved communities remain without dependable power. The costs of extending our national grid continue to limit access in these areas. Renewable energy technologies, solar systems, mini-grids, off-grid solutions, and biomass systems offer viable pathways to address this gap. They create opportunities for economic growth while advancing environmental sustainability.
To our students: this is not simply a classroom assignment. I urge you to think as engineers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers would. Develop solutions that are not only technically sound but also financially viable and socially meaningful. Account for the real costs of financing, maintenance, and scaling your ideas.
I must commend the Energy Commission for introducing this Champion of Champions framework and for conducting a comprehensive six-year impact assessment. This commitment to measurable results in renewable energy adoption, STEM education, and community development sets a powerful example. The Commission has successfully transformed this from a simple competition into a national movement for clean energy innovation and youth empowerment.
To our teachers, mentors, parents, sponsors, and all who have supported this programme: your dedication has been instrumental to its growth and success. I extend my sincere gratitude.
And to our young innovators: Ghana sees your potential. The solutions you create today may become the energy sources that light up communities and change lives. Your projects can serve farmers, fishermen, traders, manufacturers, healthcare workers, and every Ghanaian who deserves access to reliable, affordable, clean energy.
It is with great honour that I officially declare the 7th Edition of the Energy Commission Senior High Schools Renewable Energy Challenge, Champion of Champions launched. I wish all participating schools every success in this important endeavour.
Thank you, and God bless Ghana.
