The Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS) at the University of Ghana (UG) recently led a groundbreaking event: the GSS Statsbank Hackathon. This event, in partnership with the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) and Statistics Denmark, not only introduced UG students to the GSS Statsbank platform but also positioned RIPS at the forefront of data-led research and policy development.
From August 28–29, 2023, RIPS facilitated the hackathon, guiding six student teams through the process of using census data for impactful research. The winning project, Youth Unemployment in Ghana, tackled a pressing national issue with data-driven insights, reflecting RIPS’s dedication to fostering research that addresses key demographic challenges. A photograph of the winning team captures the achievement of these future data scientists and their commitment to meaningful research under the mentorship of RIPS faculty.
The launch event on August 29 was held at UG's ISSER Annex Conference Facility, with opening remarks by RIPS Director Prof. Ayaga A. Bawah, who emphasized RIPS’s commitment to equipping students with essential research skills. The event saw participation from UG’s senior management, representatives from GSS, Statistics Denmark, and members of the diplomatic community, all echoing support for RIPS’s leadership in national and international research collaboration.
After the UG hackathon, RIPS supported the winning UG teams to participate in a national hackathon on October 5–6, 2023, where one of the UG teams earned a second runner-up position among universities nationwide. RIPS faculty and GSS mentors guided participants, strengthening RIPS’s role in advancing data literacy and problem-solving skills in the student community.
This hackathon underscores RIPS’s vision of integrating data analysis and policy-relevant research to influence national planning and development. By championing initiatives like the GSS Statsbank, RIPS reaffirms its role as a leader in innovative, data-centric research with real-world impact.