Clean
Energy Competition: OLA Girls’ SHS Wins 3rd Place with Smart Farm Protection Innovation
OLA Girls’ Senior High School, Kenyasi, proudly secured third place in the 6th edition of the Energy Commission’s Renewable Energy Competition, impressing judges with their innovative approach to protecting rice farms. For their impressive performance, the school received a cash prize of GH¢75,000, items valued at GH¢100,000, and various other gifts in recognition of their creative solution.OLA Girls’ achievement reflects their dedication and ingenuity, offering promising prospects for future advances in smart, sustainable agriculture in Ghana.
The winning project centers around a smart system designed to detect and deter pests, especially birds, from rice farms. Using a combination of robotics and sensors, the technology identifies when birds are present and triggers a loud alarm that effectively scares them away without harming them. This innovation not only aims to protect crops but also helps reduce the labor-intensive nature of rice farming.
By minimizing crop damage caused by pests, the invention promises to improve the quality and yield of rice harvests. Moreover, it promotes eco-friendly farming practices, steering clear of chemical pesticides, which can be harmful to the environment. The team hopes their technology will make rice farming more sustainable and attractive, especially to younger generations seeking modern, efficient agricultural solutions.
The Energy Commission’s competition highlights the drive among Ghana’s youth to use renewable energy and technology creatively to solve real-world problems. This year, over 120 schools participated, with six finalists, including OLA Girls’ SHS, making it to the national stage. The event fosters a culture of innovation and environmental stewardship across the country, encouraging students to contribute ideas that support sustainable development.
The first and second places went to PRESEC–Legon and Ahantaman Girls’ SHS, respectively, with PRESEC–Legon showcasing an AI-powered healthcare system. OLA Girls’ achievement in the competition reflects their dedication and ingenuity, offering promising prospects for future advances in smart, sustainable agriculture in Ghana.