By Sandra Agyeiwaa OTOO
MTN, through the MTN Ghana Foundation, has held its flagship annual humanitarian awards ceremony – the MTN Heroes of Change – in Accra.
The programme aims to honour and acknowledge individuals who are making remarkable contributions to their communities, bringing hope to those in need through initiatives that focus on economic empowerment, education and healthcare.
In an interview, the Board Chairman of MTN Ghana Foundation, Franklin Manu, stated that the Heroes of Change initiative proves individuals can make a significant difference in their communities without waiting for others with big resources or corporations to take action.
“What we try to do with this is that there are a lot of problems in our communities but we always seem to look to government or corporations and so on. What we are saying as a foundation with the heroes of change is that individuals can also make a difference,” he stated.
“Most of the people have nothing but in their communities, they’ve made a difference. So that’s the message we want to send out – that you don’t have to wait for somebody with big money to come and make a difference,” he added.
Mr. Manu commended this year’s Heroes of Change finalists, noting their initiatives were impressive and impactful, making it challenging to select winners due to the remarkable work showcased.
The overall award went to Dr. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, Founder of the Ark Foundation, who received GH¢100,000, while nine other finalists were also recognised.
Her selection was based on over two decades of extensive gender-based advocacy focused on education and economic empowerment.
Dr. Dwamena-Aboagye expressed her gratitude, stating that recognition from MTN Foundation was an honour, and her true fulfilment comes from seeing the positive transformation of people they’ve assisted.
“My fulfilment comes from seeing people transformed after we have tried to assist them; but for somebody or a company like MTN, through their foundation, to recognise is really a high thing, it’s an honour,” she expressed.
She emphasised that the country isn’t doing enough, which is why they not only support victims but also advocate for policy changes to get government to recognise the value of this human resource.
She revealed: “Ghana loses millions of dollars because of what happens to abused people – the treatment and the time lost from work. ISSER tells us we are losing almost US$200million a year; and I think we need to pay more attention to it”.
She commended MTN, saying their foundation has done phenomenal work in the country, and encouraged them to continue focusing on marginalised groups, congratulating them on their impactful efforts.
“MTN has done well. Apart from giving us the awards, their foundation has been doing phenomenal in the country. I think they should continue and pay more attention to those to whom nobody is paying any attention. We really congratulate them for what they have done,” she lauded.
Other winners included Martha Opoku Agyemang (Health Category), Adangabey Yaw Rockson (Education Category) and Sakina Mumuni (Economic Empowerment Category), each receiving a citation, a plague and GH¢60,000 to further their projects.
Nana Tea and the Bus Stop Boys were joint winners of the new Digital Category, each receiving GH¢30,000 for their digital charity work, mobilising support for those in need through social media.
The MTN Heroes of Change initiative culminates in recognising and rewarding individuals and institutions driving impactful change in their communities through health, education and economic development, with the MTN Foundation reaffirming its commitment to compassionate acts and community service through the presentation of cash awards to deserving winners.
