The JoyNews Impact Makers Awards has officially become a respected national movement. It celebrates Ghanaians who are transforming lives within their communities. On Friday, May 15, 2026, the awards ceremony recognized 12 changemakers. This marks a significant expansion for the initiative.
The awards were established four years ago. The goal was to highlight ordinary Ghanaians doing extraordinary things. General Manager of Joy Brands, Francis Fiifi Koomson, stated this vision has grown. It now inspires hope and action across Ghana. This year’s edition added two new categories. These are the Corporate Impact Award and the Disability and Inclusion Impact Award. This expansion shows a commitment to recognising all forms of positive impact.
This development fits into Ghana’s broader narrative of grassroots development. Many Ghanaians are actively seeking ways to improve their communities. The awards provide a platform for these efforts. They have received over 300 entries this year. A rigorous process by an independent panel selected the winners. This signifies the growing importance of recognizing social impact in Ghana. Previous awardees have seen their work expand significantly after gaining national recognition. This demonstrates the tangible benefits of such platforms.
Mr. Koomson, also Director of the Impact Makers Foundation, expressed his satisfaction. He noted, “Today, that vision has grown into a respected national movement that continues to inspire hope, compassion and action across Ghana.” He further announced the launch of the official Impact Makers website. This site will showcase winners, nominees, and development initiatives. The public is encouraged to engage and support the newly established JoyNews Impact Makers Foundation. This foundation aims to mobilize support for grassroots development projects nationwide. This indicates a move towards institutionalizing support for changemakers.
The success of previous awardees underscores the awards' impact. Osei Boateng of OKB Hope Foundation saw his healthcare programmes reach over 10,000 people. This followed increased support after his 2025 win. Portia Dumba's work in girl-child development led to a classroom block rebuild. It also brought desks, whiteboards, and solar power to the Savannah Region. Joseph Afangbe and Bennett Asante Nkrumah also gained significant visibility and partnerships. These stories highlight the real-world consequences of recognizing and supporting community leaders. The awards platform is proving to be a vital catalyst for continued positive action and societal change in Ghana.