Deputy Energy Minister Richard Gyan Mensah Challenges SHS Students to Pioneer Renewable Energy Solutions at 7th National Competition

Richard Gyan Mensah, the Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, has issued a clarion call to Ghanaian students to take the lead in solving the nation's energy hurdles through innovation. Speaking at the official launch of the seventh Senior High Schools (SHS) Renewable Energy Challenge in Accra, the Minister emphasized that the youth hold the key to Ghana's successful transition toward a green economy. The competition, which brings together bright minds from across the country, serves as a platform to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application in the renewable energy sector. By focusing on youth-led innovation, the ministry aims to create a sustainable pipeline of talent capable of addressing the country's long-term energy security. This year's challenge involves 17 selected senior high schools, each tasked with developing projects that focus on harnessing renewable resources to solve local problems. Minister Mensah highlighted that for these innovations to be truly valuable, they must be practically feasible and socially impactful, rather than just theoretical exercises. Key stakeholders at the event echoed these sentiments, stressing that investing in such educational programs is vital for nurturing the next generation of engineers, environmentalists, and energy experts. The theme of the competition underscores the urgent need for local solutions that can be scaled to meet national demand. Beyond the competition itself, the government views this initiative as a strategic investment in Ghana’s human capital. By fostering an interest in clean energy among high school students, the Ministry of Energy hopes to prepare the workforce for emerging careers in the global green sector. The Deputy Minister concluded by urging the participants to think critically about sustainability, noting that their contributions today could significantly reduce the country's carbon footprint and energy costs in the future. As the competition progresses, the spotlight remains on how these young innovators will transform their creative ideas into tangible solutions for Ghana's energy landscape.