The global innovation lab for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNLEASH has kicked started the local talent hackaton which seeks to solve some critical socio-economic challenges in the society.

The first UNLEASH Hacks were held around the world in 2020 to develop SDGs solutions to tackle the COVID-19 crisis.

This year UNLEASH Hacks are being led by 36 UNLEASH Ambassadors to develop solutions for their local communities.

One of them hosted in Ghana is focused on SDGs 2, 8 and other SDGs through the lens of agriculture and food related matters.

During the Hacks, participants go through an immersive innovation process facilitated by UNLEASH-trained facilitators and collaborate on solutions that solve important challenges in their local communities.

They will be learning from experts and members of their community to ensure the novel ideas are truly fit for the people most in need.

Agriculture employs over 40% of the population, but average farm productivity remains low.

Entrepreneurship and Technology Innovations across food sectors can generate employment and growth.

The UNLEASH Ghana Hack focuses on addressing not only hunger but also poverty; water and energy use; climate change; and unsustainable production and consumption”, said Jackson Nyarko who is part of the organising team.

The organising team consists of people who have been locally sourced by UNLEASH Ambassadors who have been trained to understand the UNLEASH methodology.

The organising team are from GrassRoots Hub, GADeF International, Africa ICT Rights, EcoCare, Women in Arts, Tourism and Hospitality (WATHS) Hub, TechFarm Hub, SunCity Hub and Phinklife Institute.

With COVID-19 still affecting all parts of the world, the collaborative power of young Ghana talents is hopefully going to drive new initiatives that will positively affect many aspects of society.