The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Ghana has recognized a team of local innovators for developing practical solutions aimed at improving sanitation and protecting children from climate-related health risks in Northern Ghana.
The recognition came during the 2026 Hackathon on Safely Managed Sanitation, organized by the UNICEF StartUp Lab in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), MEST Africa and Hopin Academy.
At the end of the competition, Latrine Doctors emerged as the overall winner, securing a cash prize of $2,600 to further develop and scale their sanitation innovation. The team was also awarded the Best Pitch Delivery prize.
The hackathon brought together developers, researchers and innovators from across Ghana to design climate-resilient sanitation solutions capable of addressing growing environmental and public health challenges affecting underserved communities, particularly children in Northern Ghana.
According to UNICEF, recurring floods and prolonged dry spells continue to place significant pressure on sanitation systems in many parts of the region, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases and threatening children’s health, safety and education.
Speaking at the event, Peter Gyamfi Kwarteng, Chief Field Officer of UNICEF Tamale, underscored the importance of local innovation in tackling sanitation challenges.
“This hackathon highlights the power of local innovation in addressing one of the most urgent challenges facing children in Northern Ghana. 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 said.
He added that the solutions presented by participating teams demonstrated strong potential for scaling up and delivering meaningful impact in vulnerable communities.
The competition attracted innovators from six regions across Ghana with participants developing solutions ranging from data driven sanitation technologies to improved faecal sludge management systems and smart monitoring tools.
Organizers noted that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among young Ghanaians while addressing critical social and environmental challenges.
Winners and Special 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: Umoja Foundation Team
Most Accessible Solution: Washking ClimateSafe
Best Smart Monitoring and Data Solution: DivaHack
A total of 12 youth-led teams participated in the rapid prototyping process including Team Sanichain, Waste Wise Ghana, EcoHusk Innovations, Gilla Technologies, IS24 Inclusive SafeSan Hub, Cleanova, Latrine Doctors, Washing Climate Safe, Umoja Foundation Team, Chain Closers, Reigns and DivaHack.
The UNICEF StartUp Lab, established in 2019 with support from the Government of the Republic of Korea through KOICA and implemented by MEST Africa, provides mentorship, technical support and networking opportunities to help young innovators transform ideas into scalable solutions.
UNICEF says the programme continues to empower young entrepreneurs to develop technology driven innovations that improve the lives of children and communities across Ghana.
By: Michael Walier
Source: UNICEF Ghana Press Release
