Raymond Senyo Amezado, a former US soldier, says dedicating his life to serving his community in Ghana has become a form of personal therapy after his military service abroad.

Speaking on The AM Show on JoyNews, after being named the overall winner of the 2025 JoyNews Impact Makers Award, Mr Amezado opened up about his struggles after military duties and how community work has helped him find healing and purpose.

He was one of 10 individuals honoured at the 2025 edition of the JoyNews Impact Makers Awards, which was held on Saturday, June 28, at the Ecobank Head Office in Accra.

“When I got out of the US military, I had to go into a mental institution not because I am crazy, but because I had to refine myself,” he revealed. “After being to many wars and stuff, this thing to me is more of therapy because you have to continue some kind of mission.”

Mr Amezado explained that his commitment to service didn’t start with the army.

“I have been doing it before I joined the US army. But this thing, to me, is a personal therapy.”

Now based in Ghana, he plays a central role in community support, often stepping in where there are no official structures or organisations.

“When you come into my area, we are the organisation of the area because we don’t really have any other organisation,” he said. “If a kid is about to drop out of school, people come to me and say, ‘You have to make sure this person stays in school.’”

He shared a situation where a man was allegedly using his teenage daughter to draw customers to his alcohol-selling business.

“We had to go there and solve the problem,” Mr Amezado said. “Solving these problems gives me joy. It is therapy for me. After the military, I needed a mission to accomplish.”

Reflecting on life after service, he expressed concern for his fellow veterans.

“Otherwise, I would be like my friends back in America on the streets. Some are homeless, not because they don’t have jobs, but because they cannot reintegrate into communities.”

The JoyNews Impact Makers Award is an annual initiative that celebrates individuals who are creating meaningful change in their communities across Ghana.

The award recognises unsung heroes from various walks of life whose selfless contributions have had significant social impact.

The 2025 edition of the JoyNews Impact Makers Awards spotlighted individuals transforming communities through health, education, science, social justice, and WASH initiatives.

Raymond Senyo Amezado is a Ghanaian-born ex-military officer who served in the United States Army.

After returning from active duty, he redirected his focus to grassroots development and community advocacy in Ghana. He tackles social issues ranging from education and child welfare to addiction and economic hardship.

His leadership and dedication to problem-solving have earned him wide respect.

In recognition of his remarkable efforts, he was named the overall winner of the 2025 JoyNews Impact Makers Award, an honour that spotlights his life-changing work and enduring commitment to societal healing.