Founded in 2006 by Christopher Robbins, John Ewing, and Matey Odonko, Ghana Think Tank is a collective of artists and activists who collaborate with think tanks around the world to address problems identified by communities.
At heart, the Ghana Think Tank aims to reverse the generic methods of solutions by collecting problems from communities in the so-called "first world" and then outsourcing the problem-solving to think tanks in what are often considered "third-world" countries.
The think tanks are based in countries like El Salvador, Cuba, and Iran, where the locals brainstorm solutions for different issues faced by the “developed” countries, challenging stereotypes and encouraging fresh perspectives on global issues.
Among the groups represented in these think tanks are an Iranian artist collective, a group of imprisoned womne in the Boston correctional system, a rural radio station in El Salvador, a group of bike mechanics in Ghana, and Sudanese refugees seeking asylum in Israel.
The collective has worked on several initiatives that tackle a variety of topics, including unemployment, climate change, and interpersonal relationships. By utilizing the various viewpoints of individuals from around the globe, the intention is to foster intercultural communication, question presumptions, and stimulate original problem-solving. Exhibitions, talks, and publications and global artworks are frequently used to document the initiatives and results of the Ghana Think Tank.
Ghana Think Tank's approach aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrating a unique and creative contribution to addressing global challenges depending on their projects.
Nevertheless, one of the more prominent goals that the initiative reflects upon would be that of Reduced Inequality. Through the involvement of people from different countries and their distinct cultures and backgrounds, the collective leverages diverse perspectives and challenges the inequality that often arises from a lack of representation in decision-making processes.
Communities that are typically disregarded or marginalized are involved in a large number of Ghana Think Tank's programs. The collective gives these communities a forum to provide solutions, enabling them to take an active role in the global dialogue. By recognizing the value and capacity of every community, regardless of its reputed degree of development, this empowerment contributes to closing the inequality gap.
In addition, the initiatives undertaken by the Ghana Think Tank encourage intercultural communication and cooperation. Through establishing connections between rich and developing nations, the collective cultivates a perception of common accountability for tackling worldwide issues. When different populations' needs and viewpoints are taken into account, more fair solutions may result from this cooperative effort.
Currently, the think tanks have expanded to include Mexico, Iran, Serbia, Indonesia, Sudan, and Morocco, after they first began in Ghana.
In a world that often seems divided, the Ghana Think Tank reminds us that collaboration, creativity, and a willingness to think outside the box are essential ingredients for building a better and more sustainable future for everyone.
To learn more about the initiative and the projects, visit https://www.ghanathinktank.org/