The aroma of jollof rice and waakye once hung heavy in the air around PRESEC-Legon’s aging kitchen, a familiar scent for generations of students. But for the Ɔdadeɛ 2000 group, alumni of the Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School, that aroma carried a hint of the past—a past they are determined to modernize. As they mark their 25th anniversary, this group of alumni is embarking on an ambitious project: a complete overhaul of the school’s kitchen facilities coupled with the introduction of a sustainable green energy system. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ɔdadeɛ Y2K group, aims not only to enhance the daily lives of current students but also to position PRESEC-Legon as a beacon of environmental responsibility within Ghana’s educational landscape. The project’s focus is to create a modern and sustainable kitchen, reflecting a commitment to innovation and a greener future. For PRESEC-Legon, this means a state-of-the-art cooking facility powered by biogas, reducing the school’s carbon footprint and setting a new standard for sustainability.

The vision extends beyond mere upgrades. The Ɔdadeɛ 2000 group is committed to a comprehensive retooling and retrofitting of the entire kitchen area. Obsolete equipment will be replaced with modern, energy-efficient appliances, streamlining operations and ensuring a more hygienic environment. But the project doesn’t stop there. Recognizing the importance of the kitchen staff, the alumni are also investing in the construction of new resting areas, offices, and changing rooms, acknowledging their vital role in feeding the school community. According to Alain Gbeasor, a member of the Ɔdadeɛ 2000 group, “We are going to retool the kitchen area and retrofit it for the students to showcase that Presec is the school of the future, and our dining hall will be properly set up.”

However, the most groundbreaking aspect of this initiative is the introduction of a biogas system to power the kitchen. This move will make PRESEC-Legon one of the first schools in Ghana to operate a fully green kitchen, a pioneering effort in sustainable energy adoption. Instead of relying on traditional, often polluting energy sources, the kitchen will harness biogas produced from organic waste, creating a closed-loop system that minimizes environmental impact. This innovative approach not only reduces the school’s carbon footprint but also provides a practical, hands-on example of green technology in action for the students. It is a powerful demonstration of how sustainability can be integrated into daily life, inspiring future generations to embrace environmentally conscious practices.

“We are also doing a biogas kitchen. You know, that will be one of the first schools in Ghana that is going fully green on the utilisation of our kitchen,” Mr. Gbeasor emphasized, highlighting the significance of this step. For PRESEC-Legon, this biogas-powered kitchen represents more than just a modernization project; it is a statement of intent, a commitment to leading the way in sustainable education.

This project also aligns with Ghana’s broader efforts to address the clean cooking challenge. A significant portion of Ghanaian households still rely on firewood and charcoal for cooking, contributing to indoor air pollution, deforestation, and climate change. The PRESEC-Legon initiative demonstrates a viable alternative, showcasing the potential of biogas as a clean and sustainable cooking fuel. By embracing green technology, the school is not only reducing its own environmental impact but also contributing to the national effort to promote cleaner and healthier cooking practices. While the government has implemented programs to encourage the use of LPG, challenges such as affordability and accessibility persist. The PRESEC-Legon project offers an inspiring example of how institutions can take the lead in overcoming these barriers and advancing Ghana’s sustainable energy goals. By showcasing the feasibility and benefits of biogas, the school can serve as a model for other institutions and communities across the country.

The Ɔdadeɛ Y2K group’s dedication to PRESEC-Legon’s future, manifested in this kitchen renovation and green energy project, stands as a testament to the enduring power of alumni engagement. By investing in modern facilities and clean energy solutions, the group is not only enhancing the school’s infrastructure but also contributing to Ghana’s broader aspirations for a healthier and more sustainable future. The modernized, biogas-powered kitchen will serve as a living laboratory, inspiring students and other institutions to embrace green technology and create a more environmentally responsible society. For PRESEC-Legon, the future is not just about academic excellence; it’s about shaping responsible global citizens who are committed to building a more sustainable world.