By Deborah Asantewaah SARFO
MTN Ghana has announced the introduction of a new category, dubbed ‘The Digital Hero’, as part of its flagship programme MTN Heroes of Change season seven – which celebrates individuals making significant impacts in their communities.
Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer-MTN Ghana, Abena Afriyie Wiafe, emphasised that the move to this new category is hinged on celebrating individuals in the space “who are harnessing the power of social media and digital platforms to drive meaningful change”.
She added that its decision of broadening categories to the digital ecosystem aligns with the company’s keen interest in spearheading digital solutions to drive growth on the African continent.
“We continue to innovate and add more exciting features to each season – and season 7 is no different. We have introduced a new category, the Digital Hero category. This category is in line with our strategic intent to lead digital solutions for Africa’s progress and is therefore designed to celebrate those,” she elaborated.
She announced the new category at the season 7 launch of ‘MTN Heroes of Change’, a programme that throws the spotlight on ordinary people who are transforming lives in a meaningful way. It also reflects the power of individuals to bring about remarkable change in society.
In addition to the new category, this year’s programme introduces a cash prize of GH¢100,000 for the ultimate winner, with other nominees receiving recognition for their contributions to education, health and economic empowerment.
Ms. Wiafe further noted that they “will organise workshops to teach shortlisted heroes valuable skills in sound business practices, proposal writing and leveraging digital platforms to optimise their efforts”.
Following the launch, she indicated that following a thorough selection process to identify individuals making a difference in their communities, nominations will be opened .
Recalling the programme’s success story and impact since its inception in 2013, she stated that they have rewarded about 100 heroes in the country from diverse backgrounds – from the highly educated to individuals with the least education in society.
A Board Member of MTN Ghana Foundation, Sam Koranteng, lauded the volunteers and jury who played key roles in the initiative’s success, as well as the heroes for their invaluable contributions to society. He said they anticipate unearthing more heroes in the programme’s season seven.
Ms. Wiafe encouraged citizens to submit nominations, urging the public to celebrate those who have taken bold steps to make a difference in the lives of others.
