ALA/JOY FM Ghana Innovation Prize Frequently Asked Questions

What is African Leadership Academy?
African Leadership Academy (ALA) is a nonprofit institution based in Johannesburg that seeks to transform Africa by developing and supporting future generations of African leaders. Over the next 50 years, ALA aims to develop 6,000 leaders—innovators and problem-solvers who will launch large-scale enterprises that can eradicate poverty, who will establish innovative non-profit organizations to address Africa’s most pressing social and environmental challenges, and who will enable governments to make effective policies that will facilitate economic growth and political stability on the continent.

What is JOY FM?
JOY FM is Ghana's leading radio station and a champion of Ghanaian youth.

What is the Ghana Innovation Prize?
The Ghana Innovation Prize is a prize that will be awarded to a young Ghanaian between the ages of 14 and 19 who has created an innovative solution to a pressing problem in their community, who has demonstrated passion for Africa, and who has academic promise. It honors a young African innovator and leader, much in the same way the Nobel Prize or Mohamed Ibrahim Prize honor more mature leaders.

What is the actual prize?
The total prize package is US $10,000, split as follows: The winner will receive US $5,000 for his or her personal use and US$4,000 for enhancing his or her project for the community, The first person to nominate the winner will receive US$1,000. If the winner nominates him/herself, then the US$1,000 nominator prize will be added to the winner's US$5,000 for personal use.

How do I enter? Who can enter?
Ghanaians between the ages of 14 and 19 who meet the criteria above are invited to enter by downloading, completing and submitting the entry form. Others are encouraged to nominate eligible Ghanaians. The first nominator of the winning Ghanaian will share in the prize. Please only submit one entry form. Multiple entries will be ignored and can lead to your disqualification.

What is an example of an “innovative solution to a pressing problem?”
To see examples of youth leaders who have addressed a variety of pressing problems in their communities, please visit: http://www.africanleadershipacademy.org/about/students/studentprofiles/index.html

I have a great idea of something I would like to do. Can I apply?
The Ghana Innovation Prize will only be awarded to nominees who have actually implemented their innovation which has benefited their community. Simply having an idea is not sufficient. The idea has to have been realized and be verifiable. Make your great idea into a reality and apply next year.

 

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