Damongo Senior High School secures third place in Northern Zone of Energy Commission’s Renewable Energy Challenge

Damongo Senior High School (DASS) has qualified for the grand finale of the Energy Commission’s Senior High School Renewable Energy Challenge Competition after placing third in the Northern Zone competition with their groundbreaking bio-plastic development project.

Students of Damongo SHS developed a recyclable system which converts food waste into biodegradable plastic materials for domestic and industrial use.

The achievement marks a significant milestone for the Savannah Region school, which competed against six other institutions in the Northern Zone, including Sunyani Senior High, Dabokpa Technical Institute, Kintampo Senior High, Bolgatanga Senior High, Ola Girls, and Walewale Senior High.

The Northern Zone competition concluded with Dabokpa Technical School claiming the championship position, followed by Ola Girls in second place, and DASS securing the crucial third position that guarantees advancement to the national finals.

The DASS students impressed judges with their innovative approach to developing bio-plastics using locally available materials, demonstrating both scientific rigor and environmental consciousness in addressing Ghana’s plastic waste challenges.

DASS will now join five other schools in the grand finale, representing both the Northern and Southern Zones. The Southern Zone qualifiers include Presec Legon (first place), Adidome Senior High School (second place), and Ahantaman Girls (third place).

This national representation showcases the widespread participation and high-quality innovations emerging from Ghana’s secondary education system.

The Energy Commission Senior High Schools Renewable Energy Challenge represents a strategic partnership between the Energy Commission of Ghana and the Ghana Education Service, designed to cultivate interest in renewable energy and energy efficiency among second-cycle institution students.

The initiative serves multiple educational purposes, providing a comprehensive platform for students to engage with contemporary energy challenges while developing critical research and presentation skills.

The Challenge pursues four primary objectives that align with Ghana’s broader educational and environmental goals:

A distinctive feature of the Challenge is its emphasis on utilizing locally available materials for project development. This approach not only makes the competition accessible to schools across different regions but also encourages students to identify and leverage resources within their immediate environment.

The DASS bio-plastic project exemplifies this principle, demonstrating how students can address global environmental challenges using materials and knowledge available in their local context.

As DASS prepares for the grand finale, their qualification represents more than individual school achievement. It demonstrates the potential for innovative thinking and scientific excellence across Ghana’s educational system, regardless of geographic location or resource availability.

The upcoming national competition will provide a platform for the six qualifying schools to showcase their diverse approaches to renewable energy challenges, potentially inspiring policy directions and educational initiatives that could influence Ghana’s sustainable development trajectory.

The Energy Commission’s Senior High School Renewable Energy Challenge continues to prove its value as both an educational tool and a mechanism for identifying promising young talent in Ghana’s emerging renewable energy sector.

The Ghana anti- corruption Coalition with support from Hewelt Foundation has summon the students of  Damongo SHS in the savannah region of Ghana to educate them on the dangers of corruption related practices
The sensitisation program serves as part of this year’s African Union Anti-corruption day celebration

The theme for this year’s event is “Justice for Africans and the people of Africa Descent Through Reparations focused on the power of whistleblowing and the critical role young people play in the fight against corruption”

This engaging and impactful program was facilitated by “Nothcode”  a non governmental organization who are into conflict resolutions and anti-corruption advocacy.

The moderator of the program, Pastor Samuel Mahama Dinkeri guided the students on some of the causes and forms of  corruption related practices that one may be likely to fall as a victim
Pastor Samuel also introduce to the students the whistleblowing Act and as well as the witness protection Act

In his conclusion the moderator urge the students to always speak up anytime  they realize uneasy calm in their daily lives
This can be done by using the social media responsibly and holding leader’s accountable through civic participation

The students who were listening with keen attention asked some personal questions and promise to become ambassadors in fighting against corruption both in school and at home

The assistant headmaster of Damongo SHS Mr Habibu Dorla in his brief address describe the event as timely and transformational
According Mr Habibu, the event is very educative and will boost the moral of the students

The students were very happy  when they realized the equally have a voice when it comes to fighting against corruption.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ghana has concluded a comprehensive two-day training program for journalists in Northern Ghana, focusing on conflict-sensitive reporting and information hygiene practices. The intensive workshop, held from July 28-30, 2025, at Modern City Hotel in Tamale, was funded by UNDP and Japan Government.

The training brought together media professionals from the Upper East, Savannah, and Upper West regions which are areas identified as potential conflict hotspots.

Mr. Eugene Yirbour, immediate past Acting Office Director of Democracy, Rights, and Governance at USAID and a conflict management specialist, emphasized the critical role journalists play in shaping public discourse.

“Whatever journalists report can either act as a potent bomb or serve to heal,” Yirbour stated during the session. He highlighted how journalists’ extensive reach influences both literate and illiterate audiences, making their responsibility for conflict-sensitive reporting paramount to fostering social cohesion and peace-building in Northern Ghana.

The training aimed to help journalists reshape narratives surrounding regional conflicts, many of which stem from misconceptions and misinformation that can exacerbate tensions.

Yirbour particularly stressed the importance of recognizing early warning signs of violent extremism in border communities, where journalists can play a crucial educational role in preventing the infiltration of extremist organizations.

Roselena Ahiable, Project Manager at DUBAWA West Africa, led sessions on fact-checking and information verification. She emphasized the importance of journalists adhering to in-house regulations to ensure truthful information dissemination, noting that while improvements have been made in the media landscape, continuous adaptation is necessary to address evolving challenges.

“As social media usage increases, so does the potential for misinformation,” Ahiable observed. She encouraged participants to share their fact-checking skills online, enabling audiences to internalize these practices across various social media platforms as part of a collective effort to promote credible information.

Kume Izumi, representing the Embassy of Japan in Ghana, praised the collaborative efforts of UNDP and its implementing partners, including the Ghana Journalists Association Northern Region Chapter, the Media Foundation for West Africa, and the National Media Commission.

Izumi highlighted the timeliness of the training, noting that journalism stands “at a fascinating crossroads” as AI-powered tools reshape news production. She warned that AI-generated content, often indistinguishable from authentic news, increases the speed and scale at which falsehoods can spread.

“As journalists and online bloggers, you bear the responsibility of being frontline actors against misinformation,” Izumi told participants. “I urge you all to take this training seriously and to use the skills you acquire as tools for preventing violence and promoting dialogue.”

She reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting capacity-building programs that strengthen peace and security in Ghana and the broader region, emphasizing the mutual respect and shared aspirations that define Japan-Ghana relations.

The training represents part of broader efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and promote responsible journalism in Ghana’s northern regions. By equipping journalists with conflict-sensitive reporting skills and fact-checking capabilities, the program aims to create a more informed public discourse and contribute to long-term peace and stability.

The initiative underscores the critical role of international cooperation in addressing contemporary challenges to media integrity and democratic governance, particularly in regions vulnerable to conflict and misinformation.

The Gonjaland Youth Association (GLYA) paid a courtesy visit to the Jakpa Palace and the family house of the late Alhaji Limuna Muniru on Friday, August 8, 2025. The delegation, led by GLYA President Alhaji Baba Darison, expressed condolences to Yagbonwura Jewu Soale I and Damongowura Kelly Boresa I, as well as Alhaji Muniru’s family, following his untimely demise in a tragic plane crash that claimed eight lives.

During the visit to the Jakpa Palace, Alhaji Baba Darison praised Alhaji Muniru’s kindness and called on the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the tragedy. He shared his recent conversation with Alhaji Muniru in Accra, highlighting his respect for the late statesman. The GLYA president also paid tribute to Hon. Mutala and Hon. Samuel Aboagye, who lost their lives in the same incident.

The President of the Gonjaland Youth Association also called on the government to initiate a thorough investigation into the cause of the plane crash.

Damongowura Kelly, speaking on behalf of Yagbonwura Jewu Soale I, briefed the delegation on preparations for Alhaji Muniru’s burial.

In a show of solidarity, the GLYA visited Alhaji Muniru’s family house and donated 20 packs of Verna bottled water to support the funeral arrangements. The family gratefully accepted the donation.

This gesture demonstrates the Gonjaland Youth Association’s commitment to supporting its members and prominent figures in the community during times of bereavement.

Story By; Abubakari Fati Mantenso/Spear FM

The Damongo Traditional Area is shrouded in grief following the tragic death of Alhaji Mohammed Limuna Muniru, a respected sub chief, in a helicopter crash on Wednesday. The incident claimed eight lives, including prominent government officials and military personnel.

Damangowura Seidu Kelly Boresa I, the paramount chief of Damongo, announced Alhaji Muniru’s passing in a letter sent to Spear FM.

In the letter, Damangowura described the late sub chief as “a dedicated leader and servant of our community” who embodied “strength, integrity, and commitment.”

“His contributions to the governance and development of the Damongo Traditional Area have left an indelible mark that will forever be cherished,” Damangowura stated, extending his deepest condolences to Alhaji Muniru’s family.

The Damangowura urged the people of Damongo to honor Alhaji Muniru’s legacy by continuing the work he passionately championed.

The helicopter crash, which occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, has sent shockwaves across the nation, with President John Dramani Mahama declaring a three-day national mourning period.

Alhaji Muniru’s death has sparked an outpouring of tributes, with many describing him as a pillar of strength and a devoted public servant.

His contributions to the Damongo Traditional Area will be deeply missed, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

The Ghanaian government has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, which is expected to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.