The eagerly anticipated Grand Finale of the 2023 Gas Challenge unfolded at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences in Accra on Thursday, 30th November 2023.
Locked in a battle for supremacy were the Regional Maritime University (RMU), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the University of Mines and Technology (UmaT).
The Gas Challenge has been a beacon of education, shedding light on the intricacies of Ghana’s gas sector since its inception in 2019 and it continues to stimulate student interest in the gas industry.
The Special Guest of Honour, Honourable Joseph Cudjoe, the Minister for Public Enterprises, commended the three finalists for their incredible performance and applauded the Ghana National Gas Limited Company (Ghana Gas), the organisers of the programme, for the remarkable growth of the Gas Challenge, acknowledging their pivotal role in fostering knowledge and awareness on gas matters within the community. He further likened his support to the competition to the overarching plan of the government to develop a gas-driven industry.
The Grand Finale of the Gas Challenge witnessed the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) triumph over the three-time champion, UmaT. The competition was nothing short of intense and drew an impressive turnout. At the end of the contest, RMU had 34 points, while UMaT and KNUST had 50 and 55 points, respectively, making KNUST the second tertiary institution to claim the prestigious Gas Challenge title.
The Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ben K.D. Asante presented the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology with a cash prize of 40,000 Ghana Cedis as winners of the 2023 Gas Challenge. The first runner-up, University of Mines and Technology, received a cash prize of 20,000 Ghana Cedis, while the second runner-up received a cash prize of 15,000 Ghana Cedis. The three finalists were also awarded laptops, citations and branded souvenirs from Ghana Gas.
Augustina Asare Osei (Mrs.), head of Government Relations at Ghana Gas and Chairperson of the Gas Challenge Planning Committee, also presented a cash prize of 3,000 Ghana Cedis to the best female contestant from the Regional Maritime University.
This event not only heralds a new champion but also celebrates the collective effort to advance gas education within our society. With the promise of the 2024 Gas Challenge on the horizon, the event is a testament to the importance of knowledge-sharing and continuous learning in the dynamic realm of gas and energy.
In his closing remarks, the Chief Executive Officer expressed satisfaction in observing the integration of gas into the societal framework, emphasising a deeper understanding of its properties, applications and associated hazards. He asserted that events like the one held were acknowledged as pivotal in fostering education and awareness surrounding gas within the system. He extended to all participants an invitation to return for the 2024 Gas Challenge, which will mark the 5th Anniversary of the competition.
