The vibrant city of Sunyani played host to the much-anticipated UNLEASH Hacks 2024, an impactful innovation sprint organized by the UNLEASH Hacks Ghana team, led by the dynamic Andrews Akoto-Addo and our CEO, Emmanuel Preko Boamah. Implemented by Gift-Tech Solutions, and co-hosted by the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) and WAN Hive Ghana, the event brought together creative minds, local stakeholders, and community leaders to address pressing sustainability challenges, particularly youth unemployment in the Bono Region.
The event, held from November 2 and 9, 2024, was graciously sponsored by Domax Real Estate, Capital Rural Bank, Aiding Estate Developers, and InspiNest, with additional support from the National Youth Authority (Bono Region), National Service Personnel Association, YENet Hub, B.I.D.E.T Initiatives, and GBC Radio BAR 93.5 FM Sunyani.
A Localized Approach to Global Challenges
UNLEASH Hacks are designed to offer localized, scalable, and cost-efficient innovation sprints that empower passionate youth to develop actionable solutions addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s hackathon in Sunyani focused on SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, tackling youth unemployment through innovative collaboration.
Over 40 young participants were grouped into dynamic teams and immersed in the UNLEASH Design Thinking Methodology, guided by both local and international facilitators. The event kicked off with a grand launch at the Old Auditorium of UENR, setting the stage for an intense, collaborative, and transformative experience.
Solutions for Change
Over the two-day sprint, participants ideated, refined, and pitched their innovative solutions addressing youth unemployment and economic challenges in Ghana. The solutions showcased the creativity, determination, and resourcefulness of Ghana’s youth.
Winning solutions included:
- The Entrepreneurship Resource Hub (Team 9): A platform to promote job creation and economic empowerment.
- The Designers Auction Platform (Team 8): A solution supporting local SMEs and startups with affordable branding services.
- Digihub (Team 7): An initiative focused on local entrepreneurship development.
- Tech Lead for Educator (Team 5): A web-based solution equipping teachers with practical digital skills for effective education delivery.
- AgriFin Lite Program (Team 2): A community-based training program offering financial literacy to local farmers, empowering them to maintain proper financial records.
These solutions were pitched to a distinguished panel of judges on the final day of the Hack, showcasing the participants’ commitment to reducing unemployment rates and driving social impact in Ghana.
Supporting Future Growth
The winning teams are now being supported by local partners to incubate and scale their solutions, ensuring the sustainability and impact of their ideas.
Gift-Tech Solutions, proud implementers of this year’s hackathon, expressed gratitude to UNLEASH and the UNLEASH Hack Ghana team for the opportunity to contribute to such a transformative event.
Looking Ahead
The UNLEASH Hacks 2024 in Sunyani has not only equipped participants with innovation tools but also ignited a movement toward economic empowerment and sustainability. As these solutions evolve and take shape, they hold the promise of transforming lives and reshaping the future of youth employment in Ghana.
For updates on the progress of these initiatives, stay tuned to Gift-Tech Solutions and the UNLEASH Hack Ghana team. Together, we’re building a brighter and more sustainable future.
