The Jubilee Innovation Challenge has been launched at the conference hall of the Independence Square in Accra. This year's independent celebrations is characterized by technological challenges and series of events. These events and challenges are targeted at the youth. The Jubilee Innovation Challenge is the first to be launched among the others. The launching was done by the minister for information, Mustapha Hamid.

Mr. Hamid said Ghana cannot develop if as citizens we do not shun mediocrity and engage in excellence and innovation. He also added that "More often than not, Ghanaians lamented they started life journey with South Korea, Thailand and Malaysia, and proudly use their innovative products.We drive Hyundai vehicles and hold our Samsung phones with pride"

But he asked in a humble view that instead of being proud we should rather be ashamed because we began from the same place as them and today their innovations are giving us a sense of "essence belonging".

He as well urged all the youths to think out of the box for it is not too late to bring out creative ideas that will change the world.

The Jubilee Innovation Challenge aims at participants ranging between the ages of 18 to 35.  Participants are to originate and create an App that will bring about solutions to problems in fields of governance, agriculture, education, health, science,environment as a whole. It also seeks to alleviate poverty.

The challenge kicks from 22 February and the deadline is May 19, 2017. The final ceremony will later take place in July. Winners will be awarded with a sum of 100.00 cedis. The second in place will take home 75.000 and the third 30.000 cedis. These monies will be financed by the Universal Merchant bank.

The rest of the participants will be consoled with technological gadgets like smartphones, computers and so on.

Speaking at the launch, the chairman of the Ghana at 60 anniversary committee, Mr. Laud Commey said, "Ghana at 60 will not be about partying and jumping but a challenge to the youth to bring out something profitable"

Mr .Commey then outlined a series of events which included sponsoring of a number of students from each region to pursue education in technology and science, building libraries for 60 deprived communities, the opening of the heads of state museum, just to mention few.

Mr. Commey added that "Ghana at 60 this year will certainly be different".

Another challenge, the Jubilee Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge is soon expected to be launched.

Laud Commey also declared March first as National Flag hoisting Day. He urged all citizens to come out in the national colors to show unity, nationalism and oneness ahead of the independence jubilation.

By: Kandey Alhassan/@ghanaguardian.com