The Liberty Sphere 2025, held by the YAFO Institute in Ghana, brought together a vibrant group of young leaders committed to expanding freedom, innovation, and market-based solutions to challenges of society. The Battle Grounds Policy Pitch Competition was at the center of this flagship and transformative event, providing participants with the opportunity to submit bold, pro-liberty policy proposals that would generate impactful change in their communities. This year’s competition included outstanding inventiveness and pragmatic vision, with three teams—Jonathan Gullible, Divine Economy, and John Galt—standing out for their innovative ideas that highlighted the power of liberty to foster sustainable progress.
The Jonathan Gullible team captivated judges with the Straight Line Tax Policy to simplify and promote tax compliance and reduce small & medium enterprise (SME) collapse. The project proposed a fixed tax system for small businesses, designed to simplify tax compliance by eliminating the need for accounting expertise. This approach aims to enhance compliance rates while easing the financial burden on new and small enterprises that often cannot afford professional tax services. The Jonathan Gullible team members that worked together on the pitch included Charles Fiifi Hagan, Stephen Quarcoo, Emmanuel Yeboah and Mary Acheampong.
The Divine Economy team took a different approach, presented a compelling vision of economic freedom in its Liberation Policy to Free the Carbon Credit Market. Their pitch advocated deregulating Ghana’s carbon market to encourage private investment and increase revenue for local communities. By advocating for streamlined regulations and market-based incentives, the team highlighted how liberalizing the carbon credit system might attract global investors, empower local entrepreneurs, and provide long-term economic prospects. Their data-driven approach showed Ghana’s potential as a regional leader in carbon pricing, demonstrating how free-market principles can promote environmental and economic growth.
The John Galt team, named after Ayn Rand’s iconic character, presented an innovative Agricultural Value-Chain Market Access (AgriGold) policy aimed at increasing farmers’ incomes and reducing crop losses in Ghana. Their proposal centered on creating a more direct and fair agricultural market value chain by leveraging technology to connect farmers directly with buyers, bypassing costly intermediaries. By integrating a transparent, technological platform, the team sought to enhance market access, ensure fair pricing, and minimize post-harvest losses. Their market-driven approach demonstrated how empowering farmers with tools for direct trade can foster economic resilience and drive sustainable agricultural growth.
The Battle Grounds Policy Pitch Competition not only highlighted the ingenuity of these young leaders but also reinforced the Liberty Sphere’s mission to cultivate a new generation of change-makers who understand the principles of free market economics and their application to public policy. The competition represents the YAFO Institute’s dedication to cultivating creative policy ideas and empowering young thinkers to contribute to Ghana’s policy future with freedom. Each winning team demonstrated how liberty, when applied thoughtfully, can yield practical solutions with far-reaching impact. As Nathaniel Dwamena, President of the YAFO Institute, noted during the event, “The participants have not only demonstrated understanding but have remind us that liberty is a blueprint for progress.”
The competition celebrated excellence and creativity, recognizing outstanding individuals for their exceptional contributions. Anacetus Zabari Jnr. was awarded Best Orator for his eloquence and clarity, Prosperine Hollande Nduwayo received Best Participant for her overall performance and engagement during Liberty Sphere Policy Grounds Training, and Ofosu Dewornu Sandra Ampofoa was honored with the Catalyst for Change award for her inspiring commitment to driving transformative ideas in her community.
The success of Jonathan Gullible, Divine Economy, and John Galt at Liberty Sphere 2025 demonstrates the power of ideas founded on individual liberty and market principles. Their recommendations provide a road map for governments, entrepreneurs, and campaigners who want to create a more free and prosperous future. As the YAFO Institute and its partners Atlas Network, Liberty International, Divine Economy Consulting, The Atlas Society, Alumni for Liberty and New Intellectual Network continues to support such platforms, the ripple effects of these young intellectual contributions are set to impact communities across Ghana and worldwide.
Article by
Richard Nyarko
