The Institute for Liberty and Policy Innovation (ILAPI) has announced a nationwide essay competition aimed at addressing inheritance poverty in Ghana.  

The initiative, part of ILAPI’s flagship Next of Kin Project, seeks evidence-based proposals to reform the country’s inheritance and beneficiary systems. Organisers say the contest is designed to highlight systemic weaknesses that leave families unable to access funds left behind by deceased relatives.  

Dormant Assets and Property Rights

ILAPI points to dormant and unclaimed financial assets as a growing concern. Between January 2021 and July 2024, more than 1.4 million dormant accounts were transferred to the Bank of Ghana. Over the period from 2016 to 2024, unclaimed balances reached GH₵167.8 million, alongside USD14.6 million, GBP2.4 million, and EUR2.3 million.

The organisation warns that the routine absorption of such funds into state accounts risks undermining property rights and financial inclusion.  

The essay contest is open to Ghanaians aged 18 to 45, including students, professionals, and activists. Submissions must be original, policy-oriented, and between 1,000 and 1,500 words.  

Entrants are expected to explore themes such as:  

- The role of financial institutions in reducing inheritance poverty  

- Institutional challenges in verifying next of kin claims  

- Potential legal or digital reforms  

The deadline for entries is 28 May 2026, with submissions to be sent to essay@ilapi.org.  

The winners will receive prizes including cash prizes, certificates, books, and publication of their essay and publications of essays in both local and international journals. 

ILAPI describes the Next of Kin Project as a human dignity and poverty reduction initiative.  

Further details are available at ilapi.org.