It was to raise awareness and deepen students' understanding of the SDGs while promoting innovation, critical thinking, and empowering girls to lead change in their schools and communities.

It was organised by Norsaac, a civil society organisation, in partnership with ActionAid Ghana on the theme: "Climate Action for a Sustainable Future".

Members of the Young Female Platform (YFP) project, an initiative being implemented in SHSS to bridge the gap in female leadership, from Ghana SHS (Ghanasco), Northern School of Business SHS, Bimbilla SHS, Yendi SHS, and Gushegu SHS were the participants.

They pitched innovative solutions aligned with SDGs four, five, eight, and 13, under themes such as "Empowering Women and Girls: Promoting Gender Equality in Schools and Workplaces", "Trees for Tomorrow: From Seeds to Shield", "Green Ghanasco for Future Generations", "Girls for the Green Future", and "Breaking Barriers: Empowering Students for Gender Equality".

At the end of the competition, Ghanasco emerged overall winners and received GHc5,000 and a certificate, Gushegu SHS placed second and received GHc3,000 and a certificate while the Northern School of Business SHS came third taking home GHc2,000 and a certificate.

Bimbilla SHS and Yendi SHS placed fourth and fifth respectively.

Madam Salimah Abdulai, YFP Project Officer at Norsaac, speaking during the competition in Tamale, said it was not solely about winning but about evaluating the students' creativity and innovation.

She said it was also to inspire girls to confidently express their ideas and aspire to leadership roles.
She urged the award winners to make prudent use of the funds to ensure the sustainable implementation of their proposed projects in their schools.

Madam Alia Mumuni, a Programmes Officer at ActionAid Ghana, expressed satisfaction with the confidence, intelligence, and creativity displayed by the students describing it as a strong indication of their determination, resilience, and readiness to shape their future.

Mr Mashud Zakaria, Chief Inspector of Schools, Northern Regional Directorate of Education commended Norsaac and ActionAid Ghana for implementing the project saying it complemented government's efforts to promote inclusive education.

Miss Osman Muslimah Maligu, a student from Ghanasco, described the competition as a wonderful experience. She said her school would embark on planting 50 mango trees to help preserve the school's environment.