The 2026 JoyNews Impact Makers Awards, held at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra on Friday, May 15, honored twelve exceptional individuals and organizations driving significant change across Ghana. The ceremony, organized by The Multimedia Group Limited, brought together policymakers, development partners, corporate leaders, and community champions to celebrate those whose self-driven solutions are transforming lives and addressing pressing social challenges.

Francis Fiifi Koomson, General Manager of Joy Brands at The Multimedia Group Limited and Director of the Impact Makers Foundation, highlighted the awards' remarkable evolution. Established four years ago with a bold vision to spotlight "ordinary Ghanaians doing extraordinary things," it has grown into a respected national movement that continues to inspire hope, compassion, and action nationwide. Mr. Koomson described this year’s edition as a major milestone, noting the expansion to recognize 12 changemakers, thanks to the introduction of two new categories: the Corporate Impact Award and the Disability and Inclusion Impact Award. These additions reflect a commitment to acknowledging impact in all its forms and ensuring meaningful contributions to society are recognized. Over 300 entries were received this year, with winners selected through a rigorous process led by an independent panel of judges.

A deeply rewarding aspect of the initiative, Mr. Koomson noted, has been the tangible success stories of previous awardees. For instance, Osei Boateng, founder of the OKB Hope Foundation and a 2025 health category awardee, saw his healthcare outreach programmes expand to over 10,000 people in 65 rural communities after receiving national recognition and support. Similarly, Portia Dumba, recognized in 2025 for her impact on girl-child development and education, leveraged increased visibility to strengthen partnerships, leading to the rebuilding of a three-unit classroom block, provision of desks, whiteboards, and solar power in parts of the Savannah Region. Other beneficiaries, including Joseph Afangbe of Young Visionary Leaders Ghana and Bennett Asante Nkrumah of Generation Hope International School, also gained greater visibility and partnerships through the platform, affirming that "the JoyNews Impact Makers Awards has come to stay."

Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, Deputy Chief of Staff of Administration at the Presidency, commended The Multimedia Group Limited for its longstanding role in shaping national discourse and amplifying citizen-led development through journalism and storytelling. Speaking at the event, she emphasized that the organization has consistently gone beyond traditional broadcasting to "hold a mirror to our nation," giving voice to ordinary citizens and highlighting their contributions. She stressed that the Impact Makers Awards reinforce the message that the efforts of ordinary citizens are valuable and worthy of recognition, telling Ghanaians that "their sweat, their sacrifice, their quiet service… is worthy of celebration." Nana Oye Addo underscored the importance of civic responsibility, arguing that many societal challenges stem from citizens waiting for change rather than becoming agents of it. She praised President John Mahama's commitment to youth empowerment and inclusive governance, aligning the government’s Reset Agenda for national transformation with the awards’ objectives across health, education, sanitation, disability inclusion, and youth development. She encouraged awardees to view their recognition as motivation for greater impact, not a final achievement, reaffirming the government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for grassroots development.

Ibrahim Tanko Amidu, Chair of the Judges Committee, attested to the exceptionally high quality of submissions received for this year’s awards, demonstrating a deep commitment to community development and civic responsibility among Ghanaians. He admitted that the judging process was extremely difficult, as nearly every nominee had demonstrated meaningful impact, making every submission worthy of an award. Mr. Amidu expressed hope, stating that despite concerns about declining civic engagement, the entries showcased individuals and organizations making significant contributions across the country. He called for stronger national support systems to encourage more citizens to take initiative and contribute to solving societal challenges, asserting that Ghana’s progress has always been driven by changemakers like those celebrated.

The ceremony proudly recognized twelve outstanding honourees for 2026:

• Rev. Christian K. Vorleto received the Mental Health and WASH Impact Award for pioneering an integrated community care model for mentally ill street persons in the Volta Region, personally managing 69 cases and reintegrating 55 individuals into society.
• Bless Lantam, a nurse in the Nkwanta South Municipality, Oti Region, was honored in the Health category for sustaining healthcare delivery, including immunization and maternal care, in conflict-affected and hard-to-reach communities.
• Anthony Osei, a prosthetics and orthotics specialist at the Orthopedic Training Centre in Nsawam, was recognized in the Disability and Social Inclusion category for restoring mobility through assistive devices and outreach programmes.
• Valeria Adzo Adzatia, founder of the Smiles of Hope Foundation, also honored in Disability and Social Inclusion, for supporting thousands of amputees through counselling, rehabilitation, and peer mentorship, helping them rebuild confidence.
• Faith Aku Dzakpasu received an award in the Education category for her innovative, inclusive, and technology-driven teaching methods that have improved literacy and student engagement across the Greater Accra Region.
• Alberta Seyram Adjoa Ananga Ayitey, founder of the ANEG Foundation, was recognized for Girl Child Development, having supported over 1,500 girls through mentorship, menstrual hygiene education, and leadership training in Shai Osudoku and Lower Manya Krobo Districts.
• Dr. Amos Andoh, founder of the Focus on Sickle Cell Foundation, was honored in the Health category for transforming his lived experience into national advocacy, advancing awareness, genotype education, and policy discussions around sickle cell disease.
• Issabella Akwaboah was recognized in the Health and Women Empowerment category for advancing menstrual equity through the Amazing Girls Foundation, reaching over 6,000 girls and women in 2025 and promoting local production of reusable menstrual kits.
• Dr. Senyo Success Gbormittah of Hope for Ghana received an award in Education and WASH for his extensive work in building schools, providing boreholes, expanding NHIS coverage to over 40,000 people, and leading mobile medical outreach programmes in rural communities.
• Felix Akonta Akakpo was honored in the Education category for personally building and donating a KG–JHS school complex serving nearly 1,000 children in Lente Wute, and supporting teacher salaries and student sponsorship.
• Dr. Anthony Akunzule was recognized in WASH and Women Empowerment for providing boreholes, promoting rural livelihoods, and supporting women’s economic empowerment initiatives, improving access to clean water and income generation.
• The Cape Coast Youth Development Association (CCYDA) received the Corporate Partner Impact award for its sustained work in youth empowerment, education support, vocational training, health outreach, and cultural preservation, impacting thousands of young people.

Mr. Koomson also announced the launch of the official Impact Makers website, designed to showcase winners, nominees, and community development initiatives across Ghana. He encouraged public engagement with the platform and support for the newly established JoyNews Impact Makers Foundation, which aims to mobilize support for grassroots development initiatives nationwide. Concluding the evening, he addressed the awardees, stating, "To tonight’s awardees, we celebrate you. You are proof that one person, with courage and compassion, can transform entire communities." The 2026 JoyNews Impact Makers Awards unequivocally reinforced its mission of celebrating those who are quietly, yet powerfully, transforming communities across Ghana.