This year, young Ghanaian innovators have been busy coming up with technological solutions to the everyday problems. They have responded to calls for local apps that resonate with the Ghanaian environment and the lifestyle of Ghanaians.

This list primarily consists of tech solutions made by Ghanaians or have Ghanaians on their founding team. Although some were not made in 2016, they are included because this is the year they become most relevant.

1.   Just Elect

Styled as ‘just elect’, this election platform can be used for all kinds of elections. While Ghana is a long way from deploying any form of modern technology in its voting process, just elect can be used in smaller polls such as school elections, board room elections, professional bodies and dare I say party primaries. The results can be seen in real time and the voting can be done in anywhere on any device. Just Elect is made by Nasara Tech and led by one of Ghana’s emerging female techpreneur Rasheeda Mandeeya Yehuza.

2.   TransGov

TransGov is a web-based platform to track the progress of government projects has been launched in Accra. Developed by a group of young Ghanaians, it makes it easy for ordinary citizens to follow keenly government projects in their localities. When citizens visit the website (http://www.transgovgh.org/), they will be able to browse a host of government's developmental projects, such as schools, hospitals and roads, their dates of commencement, the budget allocated, geo-location and other relevant information. The mobile app will be out soon.

3.   Promolante

All the mobile networks are promising one promotion or another and it can be difficult to decide which one best fits you. This app curates all the best telecom network deals for its users so that they can settle on the one that best fits. Its developers hope to expand into the rest of the continent soon. In August, it recorded its 200,000th download.

4.   Tress

Just like telco promos, hairstyles abound. However it is a hurdle for women of African origin particularly to find hairstyles that the nature of their hair can support. Developed by an international team, made up of three young women from Ghana and Nigeria, Tress curates hairstyles from its users making it possible for other women to find hair inspiration. Women across the world can share, discover new hairstyle and even detailed hairstyle information including the salon where the magic happened.

5.   AF Radio

AF Radio is the latest kid on the block; having been launched in October. It makes this list because of the strong potential it shows. It is a free app that allows audiences to stream and most crucially playback their favourite radio shows. The aim of AF Radio is to bring convenience to the Ghanaian audience so that they can catch up with their favourite radio programmes when they can’t listen live.

6.   Mo’Go

Mo’Go is a ridesharing app that allows users to hitch a ride with someone going in the same direction as they are. The app won the TroTro Apps Challenge, a hackathon to provide technological solutions to Accra’s transportation problems. Their launch this year coincided with the start of operations of Uber, the popular online transport network.

7.   Shypmate

Shypmate also has an international team from Ghana and Nigeria. The platform matches travellers with shoppers. Getting items shipped to Ghana can be tiresome and expensive and some popular shops in the US without shops in Ghana won’t ship here. So Shypmate will help you find someone who is travelling to Ghana and then they can bring your items. The service is also available in Nigeria.