In the heart of Ayigya, a vibrant suburb of Kumasi, Sakafia Islamic Senior High School stands as a beacon of innovation and faith-driven purpose. Established in 2003 and transitioned into a public institution in 2013, Sakafia is guided by a mission to nurture the physical, mental, and spiritual development of students. The school instills strong moral values, devotion to Allah, and a deep sense of service to humanity.
That mission took a bold new direction when students and teachers collaborated on a project that would thrust the school into international limelight. In 2024, Sakafia won the prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize a global honor recognizing groundbreaking efforts in sustainable development. The event was held in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
At the heart of this achievement was an innovative, student-led aquaponics system designed to tackle food insecurity in their community.
Aquaponics the integration of aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants without soil) provides a powerful, eco-friendly method of producing food. In this system, nutrient-rich waste from fish fertilises plants, which in turn purify the water before it is recirculated to the fish tanks. It is a closed-loop process that uses minimal water, requires no chemical fertilizers, and produces both protein and vegetables sustainably.
“Our motivation came from witnessing firsthand the high cost of fresh food and the daily challenges of food insecurity,” said Mr Muntala Mohammed, Project Coordinator, Sakafia Islamic Senior High School.
“Our students wanted to create a solution that was innovative, practical, and based right here in their school. Aquaponics offered all that and more,” he quipped.
What began as an academic exploration quickly grew into a transformative project. With support from dedicated teachers and driven by student creativity, the aquaponics system blossomed. Today, it is not only a reliable source of fresh fish and vegetables but also a living laboratory for science, agriculture, and sustainability education.
The recognition that came with winning the US $150,000 Zayed Sustainability Prize marked a turning point. More than just an accolade, the award provides vital financial resources to expand the project’s reach and deepen its impact. “This achievement is deeply personal,” the project coordinator shared. “It affirms our belief that even under-resourced schools can lead innovation in sustainability. It reflects our vision of empowering students to think critically and act responsibly.”
The prize funds will allow Sakafia to integrate the aquaponics system into its core curriculum, providing hands-on learning for approximately 50 students each year. These students will not only gain valuable skills in sustainable farming but will also become ambassadors of change within their communities. The expanded project is expected to benefit over 1,000 people through increased access to fresh produce and targeted training workshops for local farmers and families.
The environmental benefits are equally significant. By using less water and avoiding chemical inputs, the project promotes ecological responsibility in a region increasingly affected by climate change. The school has also prioritised community engagement, turning its campus into a hub for sustainable farming education and environmental awareness.
Looking ahead, Sakafia has ambitious plans to grow the initiative. The school is exploring the integration of solar energy to power the system and seeking partnerships with organisations like the Agricultural Development Bank, the Mastercard Foundation, and international high schools to foster student exchange and knowledge sharing.
They are also in discussions with Ghana’s Ministries of Environment, Agriculture, and Education to align the project with national goals such as the “Feed Ghana” policy.
“This is more than just a school project,” Mr Mohammed emphasized. “It’s a model of what’s possible when education, innovation, and community come together. We want to show that even small actions can drive large-scale impact.”
Sakafia’s sustainability ethos extends beyond aquaponics. The school integrates real-world environmental challenges — such as poor sanitation and waste management — into its curriculum, encouraging students to devise practical solutions. Supported by the Zongo Development Fund and spotlighted in national competitions like the Science and Maths Quiz, Sakafia continues to cement its role as a centre of academic excellence and social innovation.
To other educators, Sakafia offers a simple but powerful message: start with what you have. “Focus on real-life issues that students can relate to. When students see that their actions have a direct, positive impact, they become passionate changemakers.”
As Sakafia Islamic Senior High School looks to the future, its commitment remains grounded in faith, education, and sustainability. With fish swimming in tanks, vegetables thriving in water, and students dreaming of a greener tomorrow, this school in Ayigya is proving that with the right tools and a clear vision, real change can indeed be grown one plant, one fish, and one student at a time.
