Accra, Ghana//-The popular MTN Heroes of Change programme that highlighted the humanitarian activities of the 10 nominees in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment on several television (TV) stations has returned after two years of absence.
The annual TV reality programme was put on hold due to the deadly COVID-19 pandemic which broke in the country in March 2020.
Although the virus is still here, its spread has subsided. That is why the organiser of the programme, MTN Ghana Foundation has launched the programme dubbed ‘Special 25th Anniversary Edition’.
This year’s edition – one of a kind
The Board Chairman of the MTN Ghana Foundation, Professor Franklyn Manu, who performed the launch, described the 2022 edition as “one of a kind”.
“This year’s edition is happening at a time when MTN Ghana is marking 25years of its operations and it is also taking place during the period of COVID- 19, the global pandemic that has shaken the world”, he explained.
“In response to COVID 19, this edition will reward individuals and institutions who brightened the lives of people in the three focus areas of the Foundation which are Health, Education and Economic Empowerment”.
All the projects submitted must be COVID related. In view of that, this year’s Heroes of Change will be dedicated to celebrating heroes in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. 10 heroes will be selected at the end of the season and all of them will be adjudged winners, according to Prof Manu.
Education category
In the area of Education category, the Foundation will be looking out for individuals and organizations that showed innovation in educating people about Covid or ensuring that students were kept meaningfully engaged/ educated throughout the period of the pandemic.
Health and Economic Empowerment categories
For the Health category, Prof Manu said that; “individuals and organizations that showed leadership in providing for and supporting the effort to rid the country of the pandemic will be recognized.
Economic Empowerment will focus on individuals and organizations that showed leadership in providing economic support to people who have been negatively impacted by the pandemic”.
Highlights of the process
He explained that after the collection of entries, the projects submitted by applicants would be shortlisted by a panel of judges.
Short listed projects will further be pruned down to 10 and the stories of these 10 nominees will be filmed and featured in a 13-week television show.
Prizes
All the 10 finalists will receive a cash prize of GHS 20,000, a certificate and a citation with visibility on TV and social media channels.
Keeping an eye on its key projects
Whilst doing this, MTN Ghana Foundation is keeping an eye on its key projects aimed at alleviating poverty, increasing income levels and improving access to quality education and health.
This year alone MTN has made some big commitments in each of the focus areas as part of the 25th Anniversary legacy projects. As the leading market operator in Ghana, addressing social challenges is an inherent part of its business.
Appreciation
Prof Manu used the opportunity to thank the panel of judges in advance for accepting to do this rigorous and tedious work.
“Thank you Mr Casely Hayford and Rev Albert Ocran for your continuous support over the years in making MTN Heroes of Change a success.
I am also told that we have a new judge, Oheneyere Gifty Anti, a renowned Ghanaian journalist, broadcaster and gender advocate. Madam, thank you for accepting to join this project”.
As we launch the 2022 edition of MTN Heroes of Change, we call on everyone to identify the people who went the extra mile to help their communities during the peak of the pandemic and nominate them for the reward. We look forward to your nominations”.
In his welcome address, Senior Manager In-charge of Sustainability and Social Impact at the Foundation, Robert Kuzoe said the sixth edition would identify some opportunities and build on the success of the previous editions.
Charles Ofori Antipem, an entrepreneur from Ayeduase in the Ashanti Region was adjudged as the ultimate winner of the fifth edition of the MTN Heroes of Change 2019.
Instructively, the MTN Heroes of Change was initiated in July 2013 to recognise and reward persons who have provided significant humanitarian services to their communities through personal sacrifices.
The MTN Ghana Foundation is the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of MTN Ghana, the leading telecoms and fintech services provider in the country.
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