Dabokpa Technical Institute wins Northern Zone Renewable Energy Challenge by one point

Dabokpa Technical Institute has emerged winner of the Northern Zone competition in the 7th Energy Commission Senior High Schools Renewable Energy Challenge, beating Yaa Asantewaa Girls Senior High School by a single point.

The school secured the top position with 83 points after impressing the judges with its renewable energy innovation at the contest held in Kinasyon on Friday.

Yaa Asantewaa Girls SHS finished narrowly behind with 82 points, presenting a Solar-Powered Vaccine Cooling Device designed to provide reliable cooling for healthcare facilities in off-grid communities.

Ola Girls Senior High School took third place with 79 points after showcasing its Solar-Powered Windmill project.

The three schools have qualified to represent the Northern Zone at the national grand finale, which is scheduled for November 17, 2026, at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) Auditorium.

Five other schools also competed in the zonal contest. Nkoranza Technical Institute placed fourth with 73 points, followed by Kwabre Senior High School, which scored 68 points.

St. James Seminary Senior High School came sixth with 64 points, while Gyaaman Pensan Senior High Technical School and Navrongo Senior High School occupied the seventh and eighth positions with 62 and 61 points respectively.

The successful Northern Zone schools will join Ahantaman Girls Senior High School, Presbyterian Boys Senior High School and Kpando Senior High School, which secured qualification after finishing among the top 3 in the Southern Zone.

Dabokpa Technical Institute received a trophy, a box of energy-efficient streetlights, LED bulbs and 20 T-shirts as part of its prize package. All students who participated in the competition were also presented with calculators, notepads and T-shirts.

The annual challenge, organised by the Energy Commission in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service and other stakeholders, is designed to encourage scientific innovation, promote energy conservation and inspire students to develop practical renewable energy solutions.

The 7th edition, which has been designated the Champion of Champions Edition, is being held under the theme: "Harnessing Renewable Energy to Power Ghana's 24-Hour Green Economy."

Beyond the competition, the initiative offers students mentorship opportunities and encourages the development of innovative technologies with the potential to secure patent rights.

With 6 schools now through to the national finale, attention will turn to Accra, where the young innovators will compete to demonstrate how their projects can support Ghana's renewable energy ambitions.