Dr. Dwamena-Aboagye receiving the award from MTN Ghana CEO, Stephen Blewett
FOUNDER OF The Ark Foundation, Dr. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, was announced the overall winner of the seventh edition of MTN Ghana Heroes of Change competition held last Saturday in Accra.
For two and half decades of commitment in providing support services for women and children affected by domestic and sexual violence and as part of the winning prize, Dr. Dwamena-Aboagye who was nominated in the Economic Empowerment category received a cash prize of GH¢100,000 to support her work, a plaque and a certificate as part of her winning benefits.
Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe, in a citation read to Dr. Dwamena-Aboagye, said her foundation for over 25 years has been a fearless voice and safe haven for survivors of gender-based violence.
“As the founder of The Ark Foundation, you have championed the rights and dignity of women and children who have endured rape, abuse, trafficking and exploitation. Your shelter not only offers a secure refuge, but it also integrates counseling, legal assistance, medical care, and educational reintegration, helping victims rebuild their lives and go on to live meaningful lives beyond direct intervention. You have played a crucial role in shaping national laws on domestic violence, child protection, and the elimination of harmful traditional practices.
“Your impact has reached 1,000s, with over 5,000 women and children receiving direct support, and over 1,000 children accessing education through the initiatives of the Ark Foundation. You have established yourself as the voice of the voiceless for these and many other invaluable contributions. The MTN Ghana Foundation is honoured to declare you the Ultimate MTN hero of change. Congratulations.”
Dr. Dwamena-Aboagye, on her part, expressed gratitude to the workers of the foundation who, over the years, have invested their human resources in the betterment of the foundation, including donor partners as well.
She further expressed gratitude to the MTN Ghana Foundation for their recognition, while urging the philanthropic communities to keep up with the hard work of supporting the less privileged in society.
Other standout honours went to Martha Opoku Agyemang in Health, Adangabey Yaw Rockson, founder of Adangabey Royal School, in Education, and Sakina Mumuni for Economic Empowerment.
Each received GH¢60,000 and a commemorative plaque, reinforcing the importance of local innovation in critical development sectors, while each of the ten participants received GH¢45,000. The other participants include Judith Kokui Azumah, Reachel Adjaottor Adom, Gideon Hopeson Zege, Linda Donkor, Emmanuel Sallah and Valeria Adzatia.
MTN Ghana CEO, Stephen Blewett, celebrated the company’s “Heroes of Change” initiative, which honours ordinary individuals making extraordinary impacts in their communities, emphasising that true change often starts with individuals who choose to make a difference despite their challenges.
Since its inception in 2013, the “Heroes of Change” program has aimed to inspire community members to become change agents. Stephen Blewett notes that the initiative has more than achieved its objective, uncovering remarkable stories of individuals making significant contributions to education, healthcare, advocacy, and digital innovation.
For the seventh season, MTN introduced the “Digital Heroes” category, highlighting the importance of digital innovation, access, and empowerment in shaping Ghana’s future. Mr. Blewett expressed delight at the breathtaking digital creativity showcased in the entries.
The nominees for the “Digital Hero” category include Hannah Lisa Tetteh, Busstop Boys, James Annor Tetteh, Twins Diaries, and Clinton Yeboah. Specifically, James Annor Tetteh and Busstop Boys each received GH¢30,000 and a plaque for their outstanding contributions.
All nominees were recognised with a citation and certificate for their efforts in supporting and empowering the less privileged.
Also, the Citi FM Foundation, 3 Foundation, corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of Citi FM and Channel One TV, and Media General, respectively, received the Media Hero award along with GH¢30,000, a citation, and a plaque.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke