Ghana News – Madam Naomi Esi Arku Amoah of Royal Seed Foundation has been adjudged the Ultimate winner of MTN Heroes Change Season IV at the Accra International Conference Center (AICC).
For her prize, she received GH¢100,00, a plaque and a citation. The prize money is to be used to support her work at Royal Seed Home at Kosoa. Royal Seed home is an orphanage that takes care of over 200 abandoned children with some of the children having severe medical conditions.
Madam Noami, the third woman successive woman to win the Ultimate Heroes of Change title and prize was full of emotions when she was revealed. . In her acceptance speech she thanked God, MTN Ghana Foundation and Ghanaians for their support. She also encouraged Ghanaians to support the less privileged in society. Madam Naomi said, “use your skills and talent to make lives better for all. Ask yourself what canI do to help Ghana; You have a talent, use yours to change lives.”
Guests and well-wishers at the Accra International Conference Center auditorium clapped amidst shouts of joy and fireworks as the winner was revealed. In a rare artwork done on the spot, an artist did a “mixed up” painting of the winner. The painting was fitted together by the MTN Foundation Board Chair Prof Franklin Manu amidst cheers from the audience.
The second lady of Ghana Mrs Samira Bawumia who was the special guest of honor at the Heroes of Change final event expressed her delight at the contribution of the Heroes of Change. She encouraged the winners to continue impacting their communities whilst applauding MTN Ghana Foundation for for bringing the stories of the nominees into the public domain.
In the category awards, Mr Emmanuel Aferi Annobel, won the Health category award, whilst the Education award was won by Madam Serwah Quaynoh. The Economic Empowerment category was won by Rev Mrs Sanatu Nantogma. Winners in the categories of health, education and economic empowerment received a plaque, a citation, and GH₵30, 000 each to support their work in the communities.
In addition, each of the other six finalists received GH₵10,000.00 cash.
In the special awards category, five personalities made of three entertainers and two journalists were awarded for their contribution to society through their social projects. Each of them received GH¢10,000, a citation and a hamper to support their projects. The special category winners were Okyeame Kwame, Yvonne Nelson, Yvonne Okoro, Seth Kwame Boateng and Joseph Opoku Gakpo.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, the Acting Corporate Services Executive Mr. Samuel Koranteng said “Our mission is to improve the quality of lives of people through appropriate and sustainable corporate social responsibility interventions in communities where MTN operates. Today, we have with us selfless individuals who are improving lives in line with our mission. The least we can do as a Foundation is to acknowledge, celebrate and reward them.”
Guests at the awards event were entertained by Kuami Egune, AB Crentsil, Aduma, Cece Twum and the Pan African Youth Orchestra.
In attendance were various dignitaries including the South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Her Excellency L Xingwana, CEO of the Telecoms Chamber, Mr. Ken Ashigbey chiefs and Queenmothers from Ngleshie and Anlo Traditional Councils, amongst others.
The atmosphere at the AICC was one that depicted Ghanaian culture. There was display of different design of traditional attire from the various regions amidst drumming and dancing.
Season IV of MTN Heroes of Change programme was launched in September 2017. After the launch, members of the public were invited to nominate people for the project. Over 100 entries were received, screened and shortlisted to an initial 100, and then 30. A team visited each of the project sites to verify the submissions. The panel of three judges selected the top 10 projects which were televised in a 13 week series.
The panel of judges are Rev. Albert Ocran (Motivational Speaker), Dr. Doris Dartey (Communications Consultant), and Mr. Sidney Casely Hayford (Economist).
MTN Heroes of Change was launched in July 2013 after which Dr. Abrokwa-Yenkyera, a plastic surgeon and Founder of Grafts Foundation emerged the ultimate winner for the maiden edition of MTN Heroes of Change in 2014. Madam Paulina Opei, Founder of Save Our Lives Orphanage, emerged the Hero of Change for Season II while Madam Genevieve Basigha won the ultimate Hero of Change for Season III.
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