The Institute for Liberty and Policy Innovation (ILAPI) has officially opened entries for its Next of Kin Essay Competition as part of a move to address the billions in “lost” wealth sitting in dormant bank accounts.
The initiative, part of the broader Next of Kin Project, aims to crowdsource policy solutions to fix Ghana’s broken inheritance system—a system currently leaving millions of cedis in legal limbo while families struggle in poverty.
Data available indicates that between 2016 and 2024, unclaimed balances in Ghana reached totals of GH₵167.8 million, $14.6 million, and millions more in pounds and euros.
Furthermore, ILAPI’s research identified over 1.4 million dormant accounts transferred to the Bank of Ghana between early 2021 and mid-2024.
Currently, when these funds remain unclaimed, they are often absorbed into state accounts. ILAPI warns this “routine absorption” isn’t just a banking formality; it’s a direct threat to private property rights and a major contributor to “inheritance poverty”—where the rightful heirs of deceased account holders are unable to access the funds intended for their survival.
According to ILAPI, the Next of Kin Project is a human dignity and poverty reduction initiative which seeks to empower families and ensure transparent access to locked-up funds.
“We are looking for evidence-based proposals that can actually change the law,” a representative from ILAPI noted. The competition isn’t just an academic exercise; it’s a search for digital and legal reforms that can streamline how financial institutions verify next-of-kin claims.
The competition is open to Ghanaians between the ages of 18 and 45, specifically targeting students, professionals, and activists who can offer fresh perspectives on inheritance reform.
To participate, entrants must submit an original, policy-orientated essay ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 words, focusing on critical themes such as the role of financial institutions, existing institutional bottlenecks, and potential digital solutions for inheritance tracking.
All submissions must be sent to the official email address by the deadline of Thursday, May 28, 2026.
The winning entry will receive GH₵3,000, along with official publication and a selection of books. Second- and third-place runners-up will receive GH₵2,000 and GH₵1,500, respectively.
In a bid to foster a long-term intellectual community around this issue, the top ten essays will be featured in the Human Dignity and Inheritance Poverty Journal.
How to Participate
Interested writers must submit their original, policy-orientated essays to essay@ilapi.org by the May deadline. For full submission guidelines and further details on the Next of Kin Project, visit www.ilapi.org or follow ILAPI on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Read the full statement below
INSTITUTE FOR LIBERTY AND POLICY INNOVATION (ILAPI)
*PRESS RELEASE *
16/02/2026
ILAPI Launches Essay Competition to Address Inheritance Poverty in Ghana
The Institute for Liberty and Policy Innovation (ILAPI) has launched the Next of Kin Essay Competition as part of its flagship Next of Kin Project, designed to tackle systemic weaknesses in Ghana’s inheritance and beneficiary arrangements. The initiative seeks evidence-based proposals to inform policy reforms and reduce inheritance poverty.
Background
Dormant and unclaimed financial assets remain a pressing challenge. Between January 2021 and July 2024, ILAPI identified over 1.4 million dormant accounts transferred to the Bank of Ghana. From 2016 to 2024, unclaimed balances amounted to GH₵167.8 million, USD14.6 million, GBP2.4 million, and EUR2.3 million. ILAPI warns that routine absorption of such funds into state accounts risks undermining property rights and financial inclusion.
The competition is open to Ghanaians aged 18–45 years, including students, professionals, and activists. Essays must be original, policy-oriented, and 1,000–1,500 words in length. Submissions should address issues such as :
the role of financial institutions in reducing inheritance poverty, institutional challenges in verifying next of kin claims, and potential legal or digital reforms.
Deadline: Thursday, 28 May 2026
Submission Email: essay@ilapi.org
Awards:
- First Prize: GH₵3,000, certificate, publication, and books
- Runner-up prizes: GH₵2,000 and GH₵1,500 with publication and books
- Seven further essays will be published in the Human Dignity and Inheritance Poverty Journal
The Next of Kin Project is a human dignity and poverty reduction initiative, aimed at empowering families and ensuring transparent access to locked-up funds.
For further information, visit www.ilapi.org or ILAPI on Facebook and LinkedIn.
By: Rainbowradadioonline.com/Ghana
