The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) Data Science Team achieved success by winning the 2023 United Nations Datathon.
Comprising members Simon Tichutab Onilimor, Laurent Smeets, Peter Yeltulme Mwinlaaru, Ahmed Salim Adam, and Femke Van den Bos, the team emerged victorious in the data hackathon that took place from November 3-6, held in conjunction with the Festival de Datos in Uruguay.
During the competition, participants were tasked with submitting and presenting data science innovations and solutions to address the challenges associated with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The GSS team proposed three impactful solutions to the United Nations, addressing critical challenges in achieving SDGs:
1. Localizing SDG indicators by utilizing both census data and non-traditional data sources.
2. Introducing the novel Access to Information Index (A.I.I) to tackle the issue of limited information at the local level and restricted access to existing data.
3. Presenting an interactive tool designed to make the A.I.I adjustable and adaptable.
Out of over 400 teams from around the world, the Ghana Statistical Service Data Science Team emerged as the winners, showcasing their expertise and innovative solutions in the field of data science.
The Ghana Statistical Service Data Science Team won first place, as well as “Best Youth Team”; “Best Visualisation”; “Best Presentation”; and “Best Team for sub-Saharan Africa”.