By Kamal Ahmed, GNA
Somanya (E/R), May 10, GNA – Students of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) have brought honour to Ghana after defeating teams from leading global universities to win the maiden Nkabom Africa Case Competition 2026.
The winning team, Eastside Sankofa Industries Ghana, outperformed competitors from Princeton University, University of Cambridge, Arizona State University, University of Ghana and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology to emerge champions.
The international contest focused on innovation, sustainability and agribusiness solutions.
The UESD students impressed judges with an innovative project designed to reduce post-harvest mango waste in Ghana. The project transforms surplus mangoes into juice, puree, snacks, cookies and body butter.
The team comprises Godson Etsri, Benjamin Ansu Anyame and Aaron Tawiah Blagodzi. They received a cash prize of CAD 10,000 to support implementation and expansion.
The awards ceremony was held at the Multi-Purpose Building Auditorium on the UESD campus in Somanya. It attracted the university community, development partners, researchers, students, industry stakeholders and representatives from McGill University.
The competition drew more than 100 entries globally, with only five teams reaching the grand finale. After rigorous assessments, the UESD team secured first place with 309 points.
Mr. Adam Turcotte, Associate Director of McGill University’s Sustainable Growth Initiative, commended participants for creativity and commitment to solving real-world sustainability challenges.
He said global challenges require young people who can think critically, collaborate effectively and develop practical solutions.
“Curiosity, collaboration and systems thinking are essential in addressing complex sustainability issues,” he said. He urged students to focus on solutions with measurable impact.
Mr. Turcotte noted that participation from globally recognised universities made the UESD victory more remarkable.
The first runner-up position went to Biotechnology for African Nutrition Collaborative, a joint team from the University of Ghana and KNUST.
The team received CAD 7,500 for its project on improving child nutrition through indigenous crops, micro-livestock and school-based agricultural systems.
Speaking after the results, members of the UESD team described the achievement as a dream fulfilled. They said it would motivate them to continue developing innovative solutions.
“We are excited and grateful for this opportunity,” Aaron Tawiah Blagodzi said. He said the project could reduce food waste, create jobs and improve livelihoods.
Benjamin Ansu Anyame said the journey required intense research, teamwork and determination. He added that the victory has inspired them to aim higher.
Mrs. Mary Abena Agyepong, Registrar of UESD and Project Administrator of Nkabom Collaborative-UESD, described the competition as a platform for innovation and entrepreneurship.
She said the Nkabom Project is a 10-year initiative involving Ghanaian universities and international partners to empower youth through agribusiness.
Mr. Seth Emmanuel Terkper, Chairman of the UESD Governing Council, praised the students for addressing agricultural and food security challenges.
Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, Vice-Chancellor of UESD, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to nurturing innovation through its core values.
The Nkabom initiative, meaning “togetherness” in Akan, is spearheaded by McGill University in partnership with Mastercard Foundation and six Ghanaian institutions.
The programme aims to create employment opportunities for Ghanaian youth and transform the agri-food sector through innovation.
GNA
Edited by D.I. Laary/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter Kamal Ahmed
Email: [email protected]