It’s always a source of pride to see our alumni making a positive difference in the world, and it’s especially meaningful when their work supports their communities.

Cletus Baalongbuoro came to the University of Stirling to pursue postgraduate studies in Energy Management. His desire to transform communities like the one he grew up in drove him to study sustainable energy solutions. That ambition has since come to life through the founding of Ponaa Briquettes. This innovative venture earned him international recognition at the recent Study UK Alumni Awards in Ghana.

Inspiration and aspirations

Growing up in northern Ghana, Cletus experienced first-hand the daily challenges of traditional cooking. Kitchens were smoky, people spent hours gathering firewood, and both health and the environment suffered. These early experiences planted the seeds of a lifelong commitment to find a better, more sustainable solution.

Cletus’ journey led him to the University of Stirling. He graduated in 2011 with an MSc in Energy Management, specialising in Renewable Energy and Climate Change.

Looking back on his time at Stirling, Cletus says the experience was transformative. “Lecturers pushed me to think beyond the classroom, research was closely tied to real-world challenges, and I learned to see energy not just as a technical field, but as a powerful pathway to improving lives.”

Outside the classroom, his experience was equally impactful. Through the International Students Association, he met Alastair Seaman, the then Director for Scotland at The Woodland Trust. They bonded over a shared commitment to protecting the environment. This mentorship helped Cletus develop a deeper understanding of Scottish culture and environmental stewardship. Their conversations proved to be a turning point, combining academic theory with lived experience and inspiring a deeper sense of responsibility to act.

Turning dreams into reality

After returning to Ghana, Cletus founded Ponaa Briquettes. The initiative converts agricultural waste, such as groundnut shells, rice husks, and corncobs, into clean, affordable, and environmentally friendly cooking fuel for households and businesses. What began as a small pilot project has grown into a social enterprise reaching hundreds of households and schools. Today, it helps reduce deforestation, cut emissions, and create jobs for women and young people.

For Cletus, the impact goes far beyond energy access. It is about dignity, opportunity, and empowering communities. Women who once spent hours searching for firewood now earn an income producing briquettes. Young people trained through Ponaa Briquettes have gone on to start small ventures of their own, something he finds “deeply fulfilling”.

Cletus continues to share the impact of his UK education. He regularly speaks in schools, at youth events, and in communities, encouraging young Ghanaians to see themselves as innovators and “change-makers.” His leadership shows how a Stirling education can spark global thinking and action. Academic, cultural, and community experiences at Stirling combined to give him a well-rounded and practical education.

Global recognition

Judges at the Study UK Alumni Awards in Ghana recognised Cletus’s extraordinary work on the global stage, celebrating his commitment to sustainability and community transformation.

The Study UK Alumni Awards, organised by the British Council, recognises the outstanding achievements of international UK alumni around the globe. Each year, they celebrate international leaders in their fields, who have used their UK education to drive innovation, creative positive change, and contribute meaningfully to their communities, industries and countries. Ceremonies are held across the globe, in award categories such as Business and Innovation, Culture, Creativity and Sport, Science and Sustainability, or Social Action.

Congratulations, Cletus, from all of us here at the University of Stirling! Your achievements make us incredibly proud, and we cannot wait to see what you accomplish next!

Feeling inspired?

Inspired by Cletus’s story? We’d love to hear how you’re using what you learned at Stirling to make an impact in your community. Share your journey with us at alumni@stir.ac.uk.