The ‘Ability Praise Concert’ (APC) 2023 will certainly be remembered as one of the most memorable and impactful entertainment events in Ghana for Persons with Disability. The concert, a brain-child initiative of the H4P (Here for Perfection) Organization was organised in partnership with Fire City Chapel as part of celebrations to mark its 12^th Anniversary.

The Ability Praise Concert, like other H4P projects and initiatives,  seeks to dignify disability and project the abilities of persons with disability. It is a platform that throws the spotlight on  the amazing talents and abilities of Persons with Disability (PWDs) in the Arts and Entertainment Industry.

Ambassador Mrs. Hannah Ama Nyarko, was the chairperson for the night. In her opening remarks, she congratulated the H4P Organization for twelve years of dedication and commitment to disability. The journey has not been a smooth one but due to the grace of God and the resilience of Bishop Dr. Charles Coffie Hackman, founder and CEO of the H4P Organisation, great feats have been accomplished in spite of the ebb and flow of disability related issues in Ghana.  

It certainly was a historic, emotional yet impactful moment when the Chairperson and Bishop Dr. Charles Cofie Hackman officially launched the CHIL Awards, an award scheme instituted by the H4P Organization to honour and acknowledge the people who contribute significantly towards the development of the disability community and also towards national development. It is aimed at inspiring and motivating others, especially persons with disability, to contribute their abilities to better the society, in spite of their disability.

As the special feature for the night, the CHIL awards was launched in honour of the late mother of the H4P CEO, Mrs Christina Anasiwa Hackman, for her meritorious and impactful service to humanity, especially, persons with disability. She was known and revered for her passion, interest and impact on the welfare of others, especially that of the disability community in Ghana.

After the launch, Madam Emma Lilian Bruce-Lyle was honoured as the first recipient of the CHIL awards. A CHIL Awards citation of recognition, certificate of honour, plaque and cash prize was given her in recognition of over 40 years of service in national development and two decades active participation of disability issues  both locally and internationally. In spite of her disability,  she committed herself in building excellence wherever she went. She has an incredible portfolio which includes working in directorial capacities in the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious affairs, National Development Planning Commission, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Ministry of Private Sector Development and a board member of various disability institutions and committees.

In her acceptance speech, read on her behalf by Mr. Alex Tetteh, the founder and executive director of the centre for employment for persons with disabilities and the chairman of the Ghana disability forum, she indicated that she is grateful and honoured for being the first recipient of this prestigious award in memory of Bishop's dear Mother. She explained further that mothers are very special in the lives of Persons with Disabilities because they are in most cases left to take care of their children with Disabilities.

The atmosphere was lit with amazing musical performances from Vicky Grant, Magic Eyes Band and Eunice Mankata as attendees danced their hearts out and sung to the melodious and fantastic tunes of local and foreign gospel music. There was also a dance performance by Empress Suzet. Fareed Ibrahim Gombiah, a prolific visually impaired poet, also graced the night two amazing poetry recitals. 

The night was graced with representatives from the National Council on Persons with Disabilities, Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations, Ghana Blind Union, Women in Gospel Music, ShareCare Ghana, Inclusion Ghana, several other disability groups and the general public.