Kumasi’s Islamic SHS Wins Renowned Zayed Sustainability Prize and Receives GH¢2.2 Million

Sakafia Islamic Senior High School in Kumasi has made history by winning the prestigious 2025 Zayed Sustainability Prize. The award ceremony, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, recognized the school for its pioneering aquaponics project. The school was awarded a cash prize of US $150,000, which amounts to approximately GH¢2,273,762.18, to further support and advance its innovative initiatives.

This remarkable achievement places Sakafia Islamic SHS at the forefront of sustainability efforts in sub-Saharan Africa, as the school won in the Global High Schools category. The award, announced on X by @The Asante Nation, celebrates the school’s groundbreaking aquaponics project—a sustainable farming system that combines fish farming (aquaculture) with soil-less plant cultivation (hydroponics). This integrated approach to agriculture not only fosters sustainable food production but also aligns with the global pursuit of environmental responsibility.

The Zayed Sustainability Prize, established in memory of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is a prestigious recognition that rewards innovative solutions to global sustainability challenges. Sakafia Islamic SHS’s project exemplifies this vision by blending education with environmental stewardship to create a lasting positive impact on the community. This honor highlights the school’s commitment to sustainability and its role in shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for the region.