By Kodjo Adams
Accra, Nov. 5, GNA – The Script Masters team triumphed in the intra-Statistical Data Hackathon competition at Accra Technical University, taking home a prize of GH₵5,000 for their innovative web application, “Trash to Cash.”
The app facilitates household waste segregation, addressing a pressing societal issue.
Competing against four other teams, Script Masters demonstrated their creativity and problem-solving skills by leveraging data from the Statsbank.
Their victory qualifies them to represent ATU at the national level, where they will compete with teams from five other technical universities: Takoradi Technical University, Koforidua Technical University, Sunyani Technical University, Bolgatanga University, and Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University.
The competition aims to enhance awareness of the Ghana Statistical Service’s (GSS) Statsbank and other data sources, encouraging their use for policy-relevant research and education.
In a speech delivered on behalf of Prof. Kwabena Annim, the Government Statistician, he highlighted the GSS’s commitment to providing quality, relevant, accurate, and timely data for national development.
He noted a shift in focus from producing data primarily for producers to creating user-centered products that are more accessible and appealing to users.
“One testament is the development of the GSS Statsbank Data in 2022 in partnership with Statistics Denmark, which subsequently led to the maiden organisation of the Statistical Data Hackathon competition in 2023,” he said.
The launch of the Statsbank has made available millions of statistics.
Between 2022 and 2024, the Statsbank produced over 300 statistical reports derived from various sources, including censuses, surveys, administrative data, and other open data.
Prof. Annim emphasized that the competition builds on commitments established in 2023 with five traditional public universities, focusing on harnessing the intellectual potential of students and unlocking the data dividend
“The second edition of the competition among the University students aims at making data free and very accessible to everyone in formats suitable to all.
“This will ensure that students, institutions, MMDAs, planners, and decision makers function effectively by implementing policies and interventions to improve the lives of the population,” he said.
The Hackathon emphasizes the application and promotion of innovative technologies, analytical methods, visualizations, and accessible platforms to drive data-driven decision-making using the diverse datasets available on the Statsbank.
Prof. Amevi Acakpovi, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Accra Technical University (ATU), highlighted the institution’s commitment to advancing technical and vocational education as a solution to rising unemployment rates.
He stated, “ATU is a place to be in the future. We give TVET a lot of priority through soft skills to be competitive in both local and international markets.”
He assured contestants of the university’s support at the national level and expressed a commitment to nurturing their innovative ideas to align with the Sustainable Development Goals.
GNA