A hackathon has brought together developers, designers and researchers from across Ghana to design practical, scalable and climate-resilient sanitation solutions aimed at addressing rising public health risks affecting children in underserved communities in Northern Ghana.
The event focused on how innovation can help strengthen sanitation systems that are increasingly under pressure from climate change, including frequent flooding and prolonged dry spells. These conditions continue to weaken already fragile infrastructure, heightening the risk of waterborne diseases and disrupting children’s health, safety and access to education.
After a competitive selection process, 22 innovators made up of 10 teams from six regions participated in the challenge, presenting solutions ranging from data-driven sanitation tools and smart monitoring systems to improved faecal sludge management technologies.
The winning team, Latrine Doctors, took first place with a solution focused on the safe containment and treatment of human waste. The team received a $2,600 cash prize to support the further development and scaling of their innovation.
Speaking at the event, Peter Gyamfi Kwarteng, Chief of Field Office at UNICEF Tamale, said the hackathon demonstrated the power of local innovation in addressing urgent sanitation challenges affecting children in Northern Ghana.
“This hackathon highlights the power of local innovation in addressing one of the most urgent challenges facing children in Northern Ghana,” he said. “By supporting climate-resilient sanitation solutions, we are helping protect children’s health and dignity while strengthening communities to cope with the growing impacts of climate change.”
He added that the strongest solutions, particularly from the winning team, showed strong potential for scaling and real-world impact.
The UNICEF StartUp Lab, which organised the initiative, is an accelerator programme supporting young Ghanaian innovators and entrepreneurs to develop and scale technology-driven solutions that address challenges affecting children and young people.
Launched in 2019 with support from the Government of the Republic of Korea through KOICA and implemented by MEST Africa, the programme provides mentorship, technical training and access to professional networks to help innovators turn ideas into scalable solutions with real social impact.
Hackathon winners and awards:
- 1st Place ($2,600): Latrine Doctors (also Best Pitch Delivery)
- 2nd Place ($1,600): EcoHusk Innovations
- 3rd Place ($1,100): Chain Closers (also Best Progress/Iteration and Best Community Integration)
- People’s Choice Award: The Umoja Foundation Team
- Most Accessible Solution: Washking ClimateSafe
- Best Smart Monitoring & Data Solution: DivaHack