Benjamin Agyin Turkson

Passionate Environmentalist || Climate Change Activist || Motivational Speaker || Sensational Thinker || Development Planner

[UNDP Ghana @UNDPGhana]

@UNDPGhana’s Young Africa Innovates #YAI Programme hosted the @Youthgh — regulators @fdaghana, @EPA_Ghana, @GhanaStandards, @GEPAGhana, and young innovators at a regional workshop in the Western Region.

Young participants showcased community-driven innovations while the NYA CEO, Arc. Osman Abdulai Ayariga, Esq., inspired attendees by emphasising the power of building on existing ideas and solving real local problems. He reminded young innovators that even modest beginnings can spark transformative impact if pursued with purpose, inclusivity, and resilience.

[UNDP Ghana @UNDPGhana]

Young people, including women, rural youth, and persons with disabilities have solutions to tackle real problems in our communities.

In partnership with the Youth and Women Foundation, we brought together traditional leaders, government representatives/regulators, and the youth to explore how to support youth-led innovation in the Eastern Region under the YAI programme, funded by the @MastercardFdn.

#YAIGH
#YouthInnovation

[UNDP Ghana @UNDPGhana]

Happening now!!

Together with @UNDPGhana's scouting sub-partner, @Eisdgh, under the #YAI Programme funded by @mastercardfdn, we are engaging the vibrant community of Ngleshie Langma at the Community Square in Ga South Municipality.

This durbar forms part of our ongoing efforts to scout and connect with young people across Ghana, promote inclusive community participation, and build awareness around the opportunities available through the #YAI Programme.

#YouthEmpowerment #YAIGh #DigitalSkills

[UNDP Ghana @UNDPGhana]

During the Young Africa Innovates #YAI school outreach at the Mampong School for the Deaf and Akropong School for the Blind, Allen Anie, emphasized the importance of inclusion in innovation:

“The goal is to equip young people including those with disabilities with the knowledge, support, and tools they need to develop ideas that solve real problems in their communities and help shape a better Ghana.”

— Allen Anie, PhD, Chief Technical Advisor, YAI Programme.

[UNDP Ghana @UNDPGhana]

During the Young Africa Innovates (YAI) school outreach at the Mampong School for the Deaf, the Headmaster, Mr. Ametewee Setumte, shared his appreciation for the initiative, highlighting its impact on students with vocational skills:

“Support like this is very important. It helps our students at the vocational level gain confidence, develop their skills, and see the value of their ideas beyond the classroom.”

— Mr. Ametewee Setumte, Headmaster, Mampong School for the Deaf

[UNDP Ghana @UNDPGhana]

At the YAI school outreach at Akropong School for the Blind, Madam Veronica Derry, expressed her appreciation for the outreach:

“We’re truly excited to be part of this initiative. Schools for children with disabilities are often overlooked in programmes like these, so it means a lot to see our students included and given the opportunity to explore their potential.”

— Madam Veronica Derry Headmistress, Akropong School for the Blind.

[UNDP Ghana @UNDPGhana]

Young people with disabilities are already innovating. With the right support, they can contribute to the creation of sustainable jobs in their communities.

During the #YAI school outreach at Mampong School for the Deaf, the creativity and talent of students were on bold display.

Janet Maku Dagodjo and Neptune Elorm Kwaku, both in JHS 2, showcased their painting skills focused on #ClimateAction. They hope to one day scale up their passion by opening a centre to paint professionally and train others.

Perfect Fianyeku, a Vocational School student, also displayed her hand-stitched clothes entirely from scratch.

#MadeinGhana

[UNDP Ghana @UNDPGhana]

Are you a young innovator with bold, innovative solutions and products to tackle social and economic challenges in your community?

We’ve got exciting news for you!

The Young Africa Innovates programme, supported by the @MastercardFdn, has now landed in the Greater Accra and Eastern Regions.

If you’re ready to take your innovation to the next level, we’re ready to support you. Just give us a call on any of our toll free numbers. We could be heading to your community next!

#YAIGH
#Innovation

[UNDP Ghana @UNDPGhana]

Our bootcamps are back!

Ongoing now is the 31st cohort of the @UNDP’s Young Africa Innovates #YAI Bootcamp — and this edition, taking place in the Savannah Region of Ghana, is one of the most exciting yet!
With strong collaboration and a vibrant spirit of peer support, this group of innovators is bringing focus, energy, and creativity to every session of the bootcamp.

Innovative concepts are already taking shape as these bright young minds work to solve real community challenges — from healthcare to agriculture and beyond.
This life-changing experience is funded by @mastercardfdn. Together, we’re shaping a future driven by youth-led solutions!

Next step: These innovators will refine their solutions and those with the best solutions will then move on to the next stage to access funding and technical support to turn their solutions into reality.

#YoungAfricaInnovatesGhana
#YAIGH
#Innovation
#CommunitySolutions

[UNDP Ghana @UNDPGhana]

#Ghana generates approximately 1.1 million tonnes of #plastic waste annually, a huge plastic pollution challenge.

Through our partnership with @MastercardFdn, we are supporting innovators to mainstream alternatives to plastic packaging.

Meet Joan Arthur, an innovator from Tarkwa who discovered through research that plantain stems can be used to produce paper. Through her organization, Mending Papers, she transforms post-harvest waste—such as plantain stems, corn husks, and rice straw—into eco-friendly paper bags.

With support from @UNDP’s #YAI programme, Joan's innovation is helping to reduce plastic waste and promote environmental sustainability.

Watch video⬇️

#YAIGhana
#Innovation
#YoungAfricaInnovates
#SustainableCitiesandCommunities

[UNDP Ghana @UNDPGhana]

Turning an idea into a viable product requires a clear understanding of customer needs and a strong value proposition.

That is why @UNDP’s Young Africa Innovates (YAI) Programme powered by @MastercardFdn, is equipping innovators with the tools to refine their ideas and develop minimum viable products (MVPs).

Through an intensive onboarding and learning retreat, followed by five weeks of hands-on product development, participants are preparing to bring their innovations to market. The programme will culminate in an exciting Demo Day, where they will pitch and showcase their solutions to invited guests. This phase of YAI is organized by @MESTAfrica.

#YAIGhana
#Innovation
#Demo

[UNDP Ghana @UNDPGhana]

In Ghana, approximately 8% of the population are #personswithdisabilities. For many with mobility impairments, independent movement remains a challenge due to the high cost of motorized wheelchairs. This limitation not only affects their autonomy but can also lead to financial and physical difficulties on their families and caregivers, and impacting livelihoods.

Meet Elizabeth Acheampong, a young innovator from Tarkwa in Ghana’s Western Region, and the creator of the Fawohodie Conversion Wheelchair. Recognizing this challenge, Elizabeth developed a conversion kit that transforms manual wheelchairs into motorized ones, providing an affordable alternative for independent mobility.

With support from @UNDP’s #YAI programme, powered by @MastercardFdn, Elizabeth is driving economic empowerment by enabling #PersonsWithDisabilities to move freely and reducing the caregiving challenges for their families—allowing them to focus on their own economic activities.

Watch video⤵️

#YAIGhana
#Innovation
#SustainableCitiesandCommunities

[UNDP Ghana @UNDPGhana]

Meet Desmond Davis, a young refrigeration innovator from Takoradi who builds freezers using barrels to help fisherfolk preserve their catch.

Traditional refrigerators are not built for coastal conditions, leading to rust and post-harvest losses. Desmond’s locally crafted freezers are highly resistant to rust, making them a durable and practical solution for coastal communities.

With support from @UNDP’s #YAI programme, powered by @MastercardFdn, Desmond is helping fisherfolk reduce losses and improve their livelihoods with an affordable, long-lasting refrigeration solution. His innovation is also contributing to sustainable fisheries and food security by minimizing waste and ensuring better preservation of seafood.

Video⬇️

#YAIGhana
#Innovation
#ResponsibleConsumption

[UNDP Ghana @UNDPGhana]

It is always a great moment to connect with the communities we serve.

A warm welcome to Damongo, Savannah Region of🇬🇭by the Queen mother, Hajia Doctor Kansawurche. We commended her for her work in mobilizing the youth especially women to benefit from our ongoing #YAI programme.

[UNDP Ghana @UNDPGhana]

Meet Abdul Majeed, who was discovered by our innovation scouts in the Savannah Region of🇬🇭. He recycles waste materials into affordable incubators for poultry farmers

Through our #YAI programme Abdul will receive mentorship & support to scale up his innovation for greater impact

[UNDP Ghana @UNDPGhana]

"The #YAI bootcamp has been a game-changer for me! I've acquired essential skills in:

✅analyzing underlying issues
✅developing creative solutions
✅executing effective and sustainable options for my innovation to thrive" - Grace Wendy Otoo, a student entrepreneur.

[UNDP Ghana @UNDPGhana]

Our #YoungAfricaInnovates programme with @MastercardFdn seeks to foster inclusive #youth innovation.

We engage our partners at the local level to exchange ideas for the successful implementation of the #YoungAfricaInnovatesProgamme.

[Benjamin Agyin Turkson @benagyit]

Excited to visit Delphy Improvement Center's Hightech Greenhouse Farms. @ Wageningen Netherland https://t.co/uQaEtjEqqT

[Benjamin Agyin Turkson @benagyit]

Earlier today, I met one of the vibrant youths in the creative industry space in #Takoradi to discuss possible collaborations for promoting #plasticfree and cleaner communities. Can't wait to see fruits this discussions with#Yogot of @JunkatownC will materialize into.

[Benjamin Agyin Turkson @benagyit]

Much privileged to be selected to join other young Changemakers in the upcoming Youth Changemakers Fair at SNRD Africa Conference 2021. There's a charge on youths to lead actions that promote growth and overall national development.