THE College of Engineering of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) was electrified last week as more than 500 students, industry leaders, and stakeholders gathered for the third edition of the ShePower Summit — a gathering that turned International Women’s Day into a rallying call for women’s leadership in Ghana’s energy sector.

Organised by Vivo Energy Ghana, the summit carried the theme ‘Empowering Women in Energy: Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Ghana.’

It was more than a conference; it was a declaration that the future of energy must be inclusive, innovative, and driven by the creativity of young women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

From the outset, the atmosphere was charged with ambition. Shirley Tony Kum, Corporate Communications Manager of Vivo Energy Ghana, welcomed participants with a reminder that ShePower was created to open doors for young women eager to break into engineering and energy.

“Now in its third year, ShePower has become one of the country’s leading platforms connecting female engineering students with mentorship, career opportunities, and innovation,” she said.

The unveiling of the Next Generation Energy Innovators Challenge added fresh excitement, inviting students to design practical solutions to Ghana’s evolving energy needs.

“ShePower reflects our commitment to building a sustainable talent pipeline, championing inclusion, and shaping the future of energy through innovation and opportunity,” Ms Kum affirmed.

Keynote speaker David Ato Quansah, Director of the Brew-Hammond Energy Centre at KNUST, urged students to seize opportunities in renewable energy, policy development, and emerging technologies. “Innovation, research, and collaboration will be critical in building a sustainable energy future for Ghana,” he stressed.

The most stirring moment came when Christian Li, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Ghana, looked across the packed auditorium. “Standing here today and looking at over 500 bright and determined faces, I am reminded of a powerful truth: you do not just have a space in the energy sector — the future of energy actually depends on you,” he declared, drawing a standing ovation.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. Kwaku Amaning Adjei commended Vivo Energy Ghana for creating “a powerful platform to inspire and mentor women in engineering.” He noted that female students now make up about 30 per cent of the College of Engineering’s population, a figure that continues to rise each year — a sign of progress in a field where women have long been underrepresented.

From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi