UMAT beats KNUST to win maiden tertiary edition of the Gas Challenge Competition

The University of Mines and Technology (UMAT), Tarkwa, has won the maiden tertiary edition of the Gas Challenge Competition organised by the Ghana National Gas Company.

The competition is part of the company’s effort of bridging the gap between industry and academia as well as educating the public at large, on the operations of the company as well as gas-related matters.

Tertiary Institutions' Edition which started with Zone One, on October 8, saw the University of Ghana emerging as finalists after beating Regional Maritime University and Ghana Technology University College.

The second zone followed on October 15 and saw the University of Mines and Technology emerging as winners after a triumph over Takoradi Technical University and University of Cape Coast.

The last qualification zone which was on October 26 had Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) emerging winners in a contest with the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UNER), Sunyani and the All Nations University, Koforidua.

The auditorium of the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Accra, where the finale was held, had been packed with supporters who had come to cheer their respective teams.

The five heated rounds of the quiz saw UMAT winning the competition with 91 points, 11 points higher than that of KNUST, the first runner-up.

KNUST came second with 80 points and the University of Ghana came third with 64 points.

Winners of the competition, UMAT took home a cash price of ¢10,000.00 and laptops for all contestants.

They also took home a citation and winners plaque as well as a refurbishment of a lab in their school and an eight week fully sponsored industrial attachment with the company’s operational site.

KNUST took home a cash price of ¢5,000.00, laptops for the contestants, citation and plaque for the institution.

The University of Ghana, the second runner-up, took home a cash price of ¢3,000.00, laptops for the participants, a plague and citation for the institution.

The CEO of Ghana National Gas Company, Dr. Ben K.D. Asante in his opening remarks accentuated the importance of such a project and indicated his commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry when it comes to the gas industry.

The event was graced by Deputy Minister for Energy, Mohammed Amin Adam, CEO of the National Youth Authority, Sylvester Tetteh, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Ghana National Gas Company, Christine Churcher along with board members, Nana Owusu Ansah Ababio and Togbi Joachim Acolatse V.

Also present were MP Ayawaso West Wuogon, Lydia Seyram Alhassan, MP Tarkwa Nsuaem, George Mireku Duker, DCE Ellembele district, Kwesi Bonso, Winter Olympian and Brand Ambassador for Ghana Gas, Mr Akwasi Frimpong, Deputy CEO of the Gaming Commission, Mr Kobby Annan, GJA President, Mr Rolland Affail Monnie, energy consultant and lawyer, Mr. Kwame Gyantua, Executive Director of Danquah Institute, Mr. Richard Ahiagba and the Board Chairman of the National Sports Authority, Kwadwo Baah Agyemang.

The Gas Challenge was in partnership with the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Education, Ghana Journalist Association, National Youth Authority, Diaspora Television Network, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Graphic Communications Group and TV Africa.

Senior Manager for Government Relations and chairperson for the Planning Committee, Ms Augustina Asare Osei thanked the board, CEO and management of the company for making the competition a success.

She further acknowledged committee members who were responsible for various schedules in making the event prosperous. Ms Osei commended the partnering institutions for their endorsement and support in the period.

The final event saw other side attractions of a spoken word on the environment and a musical performance.

Story by Ghana| Myjoyonline.com | Nasiba Yakubu