Dr Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, a prominent gender advocate and founder of The Ark Foundation, has been honored as the overall winner of the 7th Season of the MTN Heroes of Change Awards. The prestigious ceremony took place at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, where Dr Dwamena-Aboagye received a cash prize of GH¢100,000 in recognition of her remarkable contributions to society over the past two decades.
Her journey of service began in the early 2000s when she made the bold decision to leave a successful legal career to establish The Ark Foundation, Ghana’s first shelter for battered women. Since then, she has been at the forefront of advocating for gender equality, providing legal and psychosocial support to victims of abuse, and creating educational and economic opportunities for marginalized groups.
Dr Dwamena-Aboagye’s efforts have not only transformed the lives of countless individuals but have also played a significant role in shaping national discourse and policies on gender-based violence and women’s empowerment. Her dedication and passion for social change have been truly inspiring.
In her acceptance speech, Dr Dwamena-Aboagye expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, “My fulfillment comes from seeing people transformed after we’ve tried to assist them. But for a company like MTN, through its foundation, to recognize it—it’s truly an honor.” She also emphasized the need for greater attention to be paid to the social and economic consequences of neglecting critical issues like gender-based violence.
The MTN Heroes of Change Awards also celebrated three category winners who are making exceptional impacts in their communities. Martha Opoku Agyemang was honored in the Health category for her work with the KSPC Foundation, supporting children living with cerebral palsy in Kumasi. Adangabey Yaw Rockson received the Education category award for establishing the first private school in his community to serve toddlers and children excluded from the formal education system. Sakina Mumuni was recognized in the Economic Empowerment category for her agro-processing and skills training initiative for widows and vulnerable women in the conflict-stricken Bawku area.
Additionally, a new Digital category was introduced to acknowledge the growing influence of digital platforms in driving social change. Nana Tea and the Bus Stop Boys were the recipients of this award, receiving GH¢30,000 each for their work in mobilizing resources and support for the underprivileged using online platforms.
The evening also saw MTN recognizing individuals who nominated finalists, highlighting the importance of bringing unsung heroes to national attention. Each nominator whose submission made it to the top 10 received GH¢5,000 as a token of appreciation.
The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Mr Stephen Blewett, commended all the honorees and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to driving social transformation through innovation and empowerment. The MTN Heroes of Change program, initiated by the MTN Ghana Foundation, continues to shine a light on grassroots changemakers whose impactful stories often go untold.
The 7th Season of the MTN Heroes of Change Awards was a testament to the power of individuals to create positive change in their communities and beyond. As we look towards the future, it is clear that technology and human compassion can work hand in hand to create a brighter tomorrow for all.
