The Mentorship and Volunteerism Excellence (MVE) Awards ceremony took place on Saturday September 28, 2024, at the Ghana India Kofi Annan Center of Excellence in ICT.
Theme “Tech driven future, mentoring the next generation”, the awards ceremony recognized individuals and organizations that have demonstrated excellence in mentoring and volunteerism in Ghana and beyond.
The awards marked the final project activity in promoting volunteering and mentoring in the country, which commenced with the national mentoring day, held on July 18, which also commemorates the legacy of the late Nelson Mandela, and joined the Ghana Think Foundation to mark the national Volunteers Day, celebrating the legacy of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Dr. C.J. Buckman, Chairman of Captain Foundation, delivered a powerful video address, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action in mentorship and volunteerism.
‘Today’s complexities demand a shared responsibility to empower the next generation,’ Dr. Buckman stressed. ‘As we navigate the uncharted waters of disruptive technologies, mentorship is crucial for cultivating visionary leaders.”
He concluded with a call to action, encapsulated in his inspiring motto:
The guest of honour at the event was Her Excellency Fidelia Graand – Galon Ambassador Extraordinaire & Plenipotentiary Suriname Embassy to Ghana, who delivered an inspiring speech on the importance of believing in Ghana and fostering mentoring partnerships.
She emphasized the need for the private sector, government, and civil society to collaborate in providing mentorship opportunities for young people.
She also underscored the need for partnerships to foster innovation, creativity, and the development of home-grown talent.
The event organizer and CEO of the Captain Foundation, Mr. Atsu George Geraldo de Lima, revealed that the MVE Awards aims to recognize and celebrate outstanding individuals and organizations in mentorship and volunteerism, promoting a culture of excellence and social impact.
In view of the awards attaining a milestone of 5 years, Mr. Geraldo de Lima explained that five years of honoring outstanding mentorship and volunteerism in Ghana sets a high standard, encouraging others to strive for excellence.
He further indicated that five years of recognizing excellence in mentorship and volunteerism solidifies the awards’ position as a reputable and consistent platform.
“We chose the theme of the event based on the disruptive nature of technology across industries, serving as a platform for preparing young people for emerging challenges and opportunities.”
“The awards will continue to highlight inspiring stories of mentorship and volunteerism, motivating others to make a positive impact in their communities and also strive to build stronger partnerships, driving greater impact and sustainability in mentorship and volunteerism initiatives,’ he revealed.
The event was attended by various stakeholders, including volunteers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and government officials. It also featured a dynamic panel discussion with industry leaders and experts who shared their insights on the impact of Mentorship and its relevance in driving societal change
List of Awards and Awardees are as follows:
VOLUNTEER GROUP OF THE YEAR
GhanaThink Foundation
VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR
Rotaract Ghana
STUDENT MENTORSHIP AWARD
Cecilia Mamle Laweh- Educationist
EXCELLENCE IN PRO BONO CONSULTANCY
UPSA Legal clinic
PAY IT FORWARD HUBS
iSpace Foundation
EXCELLENCE IN MENTORING
Maudlyn Akosua Awuku- Anijie Global Foundation/GEWE Network UK, UN Women UK.
NATIONAL SERVICE AWARD
Ato Ulzen Appiah- Director, Ghana Think Foundation
YOUTH VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Joshua Opoku Agyemang – (IOT Africa & Ghana STEM Network)
SERVICE THROUGH STEM
Shadrach Inusah- Founder Spryix/GDG Accra Lead
VOLUNTEERING FOR CLIMATE CHANGE
Mackintorch Makafui Awuku-CEO Mckingtorch Africa
PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT
Rosetta Ntriwaah Boakye- Tell it to Rosett
SUSTAINABILITY AWARD
Darlington Akogo- CEO MINO Health AI Labs
EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE
Bravo Shoes Community Support Organization
RISING STAR
Blaise Ackom-Cervical Cancer Advocate, Medical Media Personality
SOCIAL INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR (M)
Wode Maya- Influencer
SOCIAL INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR (F)
Blessing Bliss Coab Frimpong-Teacher Blessing
CORPORATE MENTOR OF THE YEAR
Ekow Mensah-Managing Consultant: Ekow Mensah Consulting
MENTORSHIP FOR ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN
Linda Ewoenam Donkor-CEO Auntie Linda Foundation
EXCELLENCE IN CHILDREN’S RIGHT AND PROTECTION
Paul Semeh- Founder: Street Children Empowerment Foundation (SCEF)
IMPACTFUL PHILANTHROPY
Dwumfour Abdullai Aziz-Lecturer, University of Ghana
YOUTH VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Maxwell Odonkor-Founder/Executive Director World Inspiring Network
EXCEPTIONAL VOLUNTEER MENTORS AWARD
Dorcas Yingura Zoogah- Gender and Climate Advocate
EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING
Nutsuakor Foster Asempa- Facilitator: GES, Shai Osudoku District
STUDENT VOLUNTEER
Victoria Mends- Student
SDGS4 MENTOR
E T Jamani Jr- Consult Lead, etConsult
SDGS 5 MENTOR
Regina Honu- CEO SORONKO ACADEMY
SDGS 6 MENTOR
Abdul Rashid Wumpini Alhassan-Ummy Relief Foundation, EndplasticSoup
SDGS 8 MENTOR
Youth Advocate Ghana
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
KOBINA ADOMADZI LONGDON- Developer and Chief Executive TECHFARM Hub
EXCELLENCE IN PERSONAL FINANCE AND WEALTH MGT.- Peter kwadwo Asare Nyarko- Executive Director: CFLEA
MENTORSHIP IN MENTAL AND WELL-BEING
Mrs. Charlotte Esi Myers- Chief Clinical Psychologist- Ghana Health Service
INSPIRING CHANGE AWARDS
Isaac Newton Acquah- co founder: The Innovation Park
EXCELLENCE IN WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
Edna Quartey- Founder: Total Woman Network
EXCELLENCE IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP MENTORSHIP– Ispace Foundation
CORPORATE LEADERSHIP AWARDS
Emmanuel Gamor- Senior Manager: Digital Channels, MTN
ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR (M)
Dr. Yaw Twum- CEO: Global Dental Technical Services
ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR (F)
Felicia Edem Attipoe– Municipal Chief Executive-Tema West
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Marcella Mawusi Missodey- Marketing Communication/Entrepreneur/Rotaractor.
MENTOR OF THE YEAR (M)
Ralph Menz- Multimedia Technologist & Tech Startup Founder
MENTOR OF THE YEAR (F)
Felicia Edem Attipoe- Municipal Chief Executive-Tema West
This event was powered by the Captain Foundation. Partners to the event were rising event and business solutions company – ICS Africa Limited, Springfield Events, and Charles Buckman Foundation, Mentoring Africa 101. Sponsors included Ispace Foundation, Oracle Academy, The Misfit Consulting, and Tech Farm Hub.