Hundreds of students, teachers, activists, and civil society members marched through the streets of Dansoman, a suburb of Accra, on 23rd May 2025, demanding a cleaner and fairer energy future for Ghana’s schools. The Renewable Energy Awareness Walk, spearheaded by 350 Ghana Reducing Our Carbon (350 G-ROC), formed part of the broader AfrikaVuka campaign to mark this year’s Africa Day celebrations across the continent.
Held under the banner “REPower Schools”, the walk sought to shine a national spotlight on the urgent need to integrate renewable energy solutions—particularly solar power—into educational institutions across the country. Organisers say the long-term goal is to accelerate Ghana’s transition to renewable energy in schools, increase public awareness, influence policy change, and empower educational communities to advocate for sustainable energy systems.
Youth-Led Energy Advocacy
More than 500 students and teachers from Ebenezer Senior High School, alongside members of the Renewable Energy for Communities Coalition (RE4C) and other stakeholders, took part in the march. Participants carried placards bearing messages such as “Renewable Energy for Schools”, “Clean Energy = Healthy Communities”, and “The Future of Learning is Green”. The walk moved peacefully through the neighbourhood, drawing the attention of local residents, media, and policymakers alike.
The project lead, Adjoa Achiaa Kesse-Sam, explained that the initiative was a call to action:
“We are demanding investment, policy commitment, and recognition that access to clean, affordable electricity is a right, especially for our schools. Our young people deserve to study in safe and sustainable environments.”
Solar Power for Schools
The walk is part of 350 G-ROC’s Renewable Energy for Schools Project, which has already piloted successful solar-powered installations in a number of public schools. The organisation believes that these installations not only reduce the carbon footprint of educational institutions but also improve the quality of teaching and learning by ensuring consistent power supply.
Participants shared stories of how solar energy has helped transform some schools, enabling the use of digital tools, fans, and lighting systems without disruption. In areas affected by chronic blackouts and energy poverty, renewable energy has provided much-needed stability.
The campaign also distributed educational materials to raise awareness about the environmental and economic benefits of solar energy. “We want students to not only benefit from clean energy, but also understand it,” said one teacher participating in the walk.
Building Momentum for Policy Change
Central to the event was a petition drive, with organisers collecting over 500 student signatures urging the government and key decision-makers to allocate funding for solar infrastructure in public schools. These demands align with Ghana’s national target of achieving 10% renewable energy in the national mix by 2030, a goal that campaigners argue must include education infrastructure.
Organisers are seeking deeper engagement from government ministries, school administrators, and the private sector to turn pledges into action. “
The time for promises is over,” said one student leader. “We need solar panels on our rooftops not just in policy documents.”
350 G-ROC is also partnering with educational institutions and advocacy groups to build a stronger coalition for renewable energy transformation in schools. They have called for increased funding, teacher and student engagement, and stronger media coverage to ensure that energy justice becomes a national priority.
A Model for National Change
By placing schools at the centre of Ghana’s energy transition, 350 G-ROC hopes to build a model that can be replicated nationwide. Their campaign argues that energy poverty is an injustice that disproportionately affects learning outcomes in underserved communities, and that transitioning to clean energy in schools is both a climate and education solution.
The Renewable Energy Walk is part of a growing movement in Ghana that sees climate action not as a distant agenda, but as an immediate necessity that touches everyday lives—from classrooms to communities. The stories shared in Dansoman are intended to inspire policymakers to listen, act, and invest.
As Adjoa Achiaa Kesse-Sam put it, “When students march for solar energy, they’re not just marching for electricity. They’re marching for their right to learn, to dream, and to lead in a greener Ghana.”