The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, Dr. Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, has heaped praises on 11 individuals celebrated as change makers at the inaugural JoyNews Impact Makers Awards in Accra.

Ken Ashigbey, a member of the panel of judges that settled on the special nominees for the grand celebration, hardly completed a sentence without one superlative or another as the nation celebrated the kind, selfless individuals who made it their business to change their societies for the better.

Calling the awards event as a remarkable celebration of community impact, he said it was to honour those extraordinary individuals whose unwavering dedication and selfless efforts have left an indelible mark on their communities.

“In a world where the noise of discord can often drown out the harmony of unity, these exceptional individuals have chosen a different path. They have heard the calling of their communities and have responded with courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment. They have become beacons of hope, catalysts for positive change, and guardians of the well-being of those around them,” he said.

On why he called the honorees as ‘quiet heroes’, Ken Ashigbey said they have worked “tirelessly to alleviate suffering, to empower the marginalised, and to uplift the lives of others. Their efforts have rippled through their communities, inspiring and awakening the latent potential within each person they have touched,” and that they have shown us that a single act of kindness can ignite a chain reaction of goodwill and create a more inclusive, compassionate, and thriving society.

Read also: Livestream of JoyNews Impact Makers Awards

“Whether it is through innovative social enterprises, grassroots activism, or transformative initiatives, these individuals have transformed challenges into opportunities. They have shown us that adversity can be conquered, and barriers can be broken down when driven by a deep-rooted belief in the inherent worth and potential of every individual.

“Their stories are an embodiment of the power of human connection, of the profound impact that a single person can have on the lives of many. They remind us that each of us possesses the capacity to make a difference, no matter how small or significant our contribution may seem. They inspire us to reflect upon our own roles within our communities and to ask ourselves, "What can I do to create a positive change?"

Read also: Isaac Adjaottor wins overall JoyNews Impact Makers Award

Mr. Isaac Adjaottor, founder of Farm for Livelihood Association in Ada-Foah in the Ada East District of the Greater Accra region, emerged the overall winner of the JoyNews Impact Makers Awards.

Health enthusiast Jefferson Kwasi Agbotro; friend of lepers Rev. Fr. Andrew Campbell; entrepreneur and social activist Richard Kwei Mensah Okoe; Ellen White Opoku of Busunya; mental health fighter Eliasu Yussif Baba; and Yayra Portia Klu for volunteerism and education, were all honoured with awards.

The rest are Joy Okrah of AWO Fields; Rev. Fr. Dr. Moses Asaah Awinongya from Namoo in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region; Rev. John Akaribo of Bolga; and entrepreneur Amadu Mohammed.

Each one of the awardees walked home with a cash prize, a plaque and citation. They will also have their great stories featured on Multimedia Group Limited’s platforms so public spirited individuals and businesses may follow their examples and also support them.

Related article: See photos from JoyNews Impact Makers Awards

The Impact Makers Awards recognises and celebrates ordinary people doing extraordinary things in their communities, shines the light on their selfless devotion to humanity and to direct support for them to enable them expand their horizons.

The General Manager of Joy Brands, Fiifi Koomson underscored the priceless contributions of the awardees, calling them unsung champions of our communities, the everyday heroes who work tirelessly to uplift their communities. He stressed the incontestable fact that one individual can make so much difference in the lives of their communities, and that it is such impactful achievements that JoyNews likes to shine the light on through their features and documentaries.