Mr Honu was awarded a prize of $ 750 to enable him to establish a library for rural Ghanaian children at Agbogbloshie, which forms part of his project idea.The contest was launched on the Day of African Child on June 16, and challenged prospective contestants from all across Africa to share their ideas to improve African children’s lives and contribute towards the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

He was among five finalists in the reach for Change contest, including Ms Kokubanza Timanywa from Tanzania, Ms Houzibe Lama from Chad, Ms Phoeba Emefa, and Mr Lawrence Antwi-Boasiako from Ghana.Mrs Abena Osei Asare, the Deputy Minister of Finance, who was the special Guest for the Event, commended the finalists for the brilliant innovative ideas to improve development in rural communities.

She said the achievement of the SDGs involved all and sundry and government was ready to partner with the private sector to work to accelerate economic growth and prosperity of the country.

Mrs Asare said government was building an entrepreneurial nation through the National Entrepreneurial and Innovation Plan that would provide support for early stage businesses, saying government has set up a 100 million dollar package to fund the plan.

Mrs Amma Sefa-Dedeh Lartey, Africa Regional Director, Reach for Change said Mr Honu who won the contest received the most votes for his idea in an open online poll and that he would be connected to a mentor to guide him implement his project.

She said for the past three years, the organisation had organised the Pan-African innovation contest to encourage and empower African children and youth to take the initiative to address issues for children they observe in their communities.

She said this year, organisation added the SDGs to the criteria to provide young Africans with opportunities to contribute to achieving the goals in their own communities.Mr Honu said his project on libraries focus on developing problem-solving, ICT and basic literacy skills among children to help improve their future careers.

The five finalists were presented with certificates.