JoyNews celebrates 10 unsung heroes at 3rd Impact Makers Awards

The 3rd edition of the JoyNews Impact Makers Awards unfolded in powerful fashion on Saturday, June 28, at the Ecobank Head Office in Accra Central, honouring 10 extraordinary individuals whose selfless work continues to shape Ghana’s most vulnerable communities.

The event, powered by the Multimedia Group’s JoyNews brand, served as a national platform to recognise changemakers working in education, health, social welfare, and sanitation. Each awardee received a plaque to support their ongoing efforts.

Among the night’s emotional highlights was the first awardee, Akua Sarpong, who was honoured for her advocacy in paediatric cancer care. In a touching tribute, she dedicated the award to her late daughter, whose memory fuels her mission to support children battling cancer at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

The impact of visual storytelling was brought to life by Geoffrey Kwame Buta, who was recognised for empowering deaf students in the Northern Region. After donating a camera to the Savelugu School for the Deaf, he discovered a wealth of untapped creativity and called on professionals across sectors to mentor young people with disabilities.

Also celebrated was Eric Boadi Sampong, an education advocate from the Eastern Region, who dedicated his award to the collective vision of all those who have supported his journey. His message echoed the night’s recurring theme—that change is a shared responsibility.

From the Upper West Region, Williams Ayaaba Akongbabre thanked traditional leaders and local communities for granting him the space to serve. He paid special tribute to JoyNews for shining “the brightest light” on his work, helping doubters see the value of grassroots impact.

The night’s overall winner, Raymond Senyo Amezado, was recognised for his work in the education sector in Greater Accra. Speaking with deep emotion, he credited his team, sponsors, volunteers, and the children they serve. “Nonprofit founders and impact makers need platforms like this to be seen,” he said, dedicating the honour to his mother, who accompanied him to the event.

Healthcare delivery in underserved communities was spotlighted through the work of Osei Kwadwo Boateng, based in the Ashanti Region.

“A life lost due to delayed medical care is one too many,” he said, reaffirming his mission to extend access to even the remotest villages.

From the Savannah Region, Portia Dumba dedicated her award to the girls, women, and communities she serves. Her moving remarks emphasised collective progress: “Impact is built together. This is just the starting point. Together, we rise.”

Bennett Asante Nkrumah, honoured for his work in social welfare in the Ahafo Region, expressed humility, saying he never expected his small local effort to gain national recognition.

“Today, the world is celebrating what we are doing,” he said.

The commitment of Daniel Nkrumah to providing basic social amenities in Greater Accra was also recognised.

Since founding his initiative in 2015 during national service, he and his peers have reached dozens of communities with food, water, and clothing.

“People thought we were just dreamers,” he said. “But today, we’ve proven them wrong.”

The final award of the night went to Joseph Tettey Afangbe, who marked 10 years of leadership in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives through his organisation, Young Visionary Leaders Ghana.

Surrounded by supporters and family, he urged others to continue their efforts. “Whatever you’re doing in your own small corner has a bigger impact,” he said.

The JoyNews Impact Makers Awards, powered by the Multimedia Group, continues to serve as a national platform for recognising quiet changemakers.

From healing children with cancer to giving voice to the deaf and expanding rural access to healthcare and sanitation, these awardees are showing that real impact begins where the spotlight rarely shines.

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