The 2024 National Business Pitch Competition (NBPC) concluded with resounding success, showcasing the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of Ghana’s youth. With the theme “Greenovation,” this year’s competition centered around sustainable solutions and green technologies, highlighting the vital role of entrepreneurship in advancing Ghana’s green economy and contributing to global sustainability efforts.
The event featured a keynote address by H.E. Mr. Charles Abani, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana, who drew from his extensive 25-year career in international development.
He emphasized the critical importance of innovation in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and urged the young entrepreneurs present to continue driving sustainable economic growth through their creativity and determination.
“Young people are often excluded from formal climate policy discussions, despite being more vulnerable to climate shocks. The innovative solutions you have presented here demonstrate that young people can indeed provide creative answers to our most pressing climate challenges,” said H.E. Mr. Abani.
Abeiku Greene, Executive Director of JA Ghana, organizers of the NBPC, expressed his immense pride in the participants.
According tp him, “At JA Ghana, we instill in young minds the belief that they can create, innovate, and tackle even the toughest problems. The ideas presented this year have been truly inspiring.”
NBPC Award Winners
The competition was fierce, with schools from across the nation presenting groundbreaking ideas. The top three awards were as follows:
First Place: Archbishop Porter Girls SHS with their project SunSip Irrigation. SunSip is a solar-powered irrigation system that utilizes compact discs to address the inefficiencies of traditional irrigation systems reliant on non-renewable energy. This innovative project was recognized for its potential to revolutionize the agricultural sector while upholding a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. As the first-place winners, Archbishop Porter Girls SHS will represent Ghana at the JA Africa Company of the Year competition in Mauritius this December, where they will compete against other young entrepreneurs across the continent.
Second Place: Krobo Girls SHS with their Solar Dehydrator Project. This project harnesses solar energy to dry fruits, vegetables, and other perishable crops, reducing dependence on expensive and unreliable energy sources. The judges acknowledged the significant impact this solution could have on farming communities with limited access to electricity.
Third Place: Legacy Girls College with their project Re-Wear. Re-Wear transforms old clothes into anti-malaria garments. The process involves collecting and cleaning old clothes, then converting them into soft wool fibers for new clothing. The judges were particularly impressed by the project’s creativity and its alignment with the “Greenovation” theme.
Other Notable Awards
In addition to the top awards, several special recognitions were given:
• Innovation in Tech Award sponsored by Turf Devices: Awarded to Presbyterian Boys Senior High School for their groundbreaking technology idea that best exemplifies innovation and originality.
• Academic City Excellence in Teamwork Award sponsored by Academic City University College: Awarded to Tema International School for demonstrating exceptional teamwork and communication, particularly in their green technology initiatives.
• Green Innovation Award sponsored by Fidelity Bank: Awarded to Wa Senior High School for the project that most closely aligns with the Sustainable Development
Goals (e.g., SDG 13 on climate action), highlighting their commitment to environmental sustainability.
• Global Possibilities Award sponsored by PwC Ghana: Awarded to Adonten Senior High School for their project that emphasizes global connectivity and green technology innovation, showing potential to impact communities and new markets.
• The Rising Leader Award by JA Ghana’s Executive Director: Presented to Helena Stacey Odarkor Wellington from Adonten Senior High School for demonstrating exceptional leadership, which significantly contributed to her team’s success.
• Public Choice Award sponsored by Boeing: Awarded to Legacy Girls College for receiving the highest number of votes from the public, underscoring their popularity and the impact of their project.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Sponsors & Partners for NBPC 2025
As the NBPC continues to nurture and inspire innovation in Ghana, we invite organizations, businesses, and individuals to join us as sponsors and partners for future editions.
Sponsorship provides a unique opportunity to support the next generation of entrepreneurs driving sustainable development in Ghana. By partnering with JA Ghana, sponsors gain significant exposure, engage with schools nationwide, and contribute to meaningful change.
For sponsorship inquiries or to learn more about supporting young entrepreneurs, please email us at info@jaghana.org or visit www.jaghana.org/donate.
About Junior Achievement Ghana
Junior Achievement (JA) Ghana is a member of JA Worldwide, one of the world’s largest youth-focused organizations committed to preparing young people for the future of work.
Through hands-on programs in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, we empower young Ghanaians to turn their entrepreneurial ideas into reality, develop essential work skills, and secure better futures for themselves, their families, and their communities. We operate in all 16 regions of Ghana, reaching thousands of students in primary, JHS, SHS, and universities every year.
