Sakafia Islamic Senior High School, located in Kumasi, Ghana, has been named the winner of the 2025 Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Global High Schools–Sub-Saharan Africa category. The school was recognized for its pioneering aquaponics project, aimed at addressing food insecurity while promoting sustainable agricultural practices within the school and the wider community.
The project will establish a full-scale urban aquaponics system, integrating aquaculture and hydroponics in a closed-loop design that efficiently produces both fish and vegetables. This innovative approach reduces water usage, enhances food production, and minimizes environmental impact, offering a practical and scalable solution to food security challenges in the region.
Dr Lamya Fawwaz, Director of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, praised the school's initiative, saying, "By harnessing innovative techniques to address food security, Sakafia Islamic Senior High School exemplifies the role of education in driving sustainability. This project not only highlights the power of youth-led solutions but also underscores how schools can serve as hubs for transformative community impact."
The US $150,000 award will enable the school to integrate the aquaponics system into its curriculum, allowing approximately 50 students to gain hands-on experience in sustainable farming practices while directly benefiting over 1,000 people through access to fresh produce and training workshops.
Source: ghanaiantimes.com.gh