The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ben Q. Honyenuga has on September 3, 2025, indicated the readiness of the University to develop competent human capital for the solar technology and application sector in Ghana and beyond.
He said this at the Seventh Meeting of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Regional Committee for the Africa Region in Accra, and hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition and other partners. He expressed HTU’s enthusiasm in partnering with ISA and the Ministry to develop highly competent technicians and engineers in the Solar Technology and Application space.
Contributing as a panelist on Scaling Institutional Capacity for Solar Growth, under the theme, Strengthening Institutions for Solar Energy Transitions in Africa, Prof. Honyenuga indicated that HTU is committed to solar energy growth and development. He emphasised the premium HTU places on providing hands-on training to students, making them industry ready.
He added that graduates of the University are prepared to be entrepreneurial and employable, of which same approach has been designed to develop human capital for the Solar Technology and Application sector. This vision is being realised through the establishment of a Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (STAR-C), at Ho Technical University which is the only Solar Technology Application Resource facility and Centre in Ghana.
“It is important to note that HTU is committed to equipping students with employability and entrepreneurial skills in the sector as it will enable graduates of the Solar Technology Application and Resource Centre, create jobs for themselves and others, he stressed.
The STAR- C at HTU is a tripartite partnership established among the ISA, the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition and the University, designed to provide practical training and development in solar energy, with a focus on industry-experience-based learning as well as a competency-based training. By partnering with industry leaders, the center ensures that students gain hands-on experience, making them job-ready and capable of driving Ghana’s solar energy sector forward.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the STAR-C is a centre of excellence for solar energy and application as it provides research, innovation, standardisation and knowledge management and training for the sector.
He added that the Centre is a catalyst for HTU’s vision of becoming a hub of practical education and innovation advancing sustainable global development, across Africa. By advancing training in the solar sector, the University aims to contribute immensely to Ghana’s energy transition and economic growth. He added that through initiatives like STAR-C, HTU is committed to developing a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of the rapidly evolving solar energy industry.
“At HTU, we’re committed to harnessing the power of solar energy to drive sustainable development in Africa. Through STAR-C, we’re empowering our students to become leaders in the solar technology sector, equipped with the skills and knowledge to create innovative solutions for a brighter future,” Prof. Honyenuga iterated.
Prof. Honyenuga’s participation in the conference underscored HTU’s dedication to harnessing solar technology potential and fostering a sustainable future for Ghana. His insights and vision for the University’s role in solar energy development, highlights the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving Ghana’s energy transition.