JoyNews Impact Makers Awards 2026 honours 12 changemakers transforming lives across Ghana

The 2026 JoyNews Impact Makers Awards honoured 12 individuals and organisations driving meaningful change across Ghana on Friday, May 15, at the Labadi Beach Hotel. The awards scheme highlights individuals who have taken development into their own hands to address pressing needs in their communities. This year's edition focused on Ghanaians described by organisers as those who "do not wait for intervention, but become the intervention."

Rev. Christian K. Vorleto received the Mental Health and WASH Impact Award for pioneering an integrated community care model for mentally ill street persons in the Volta Region. He has personally managed 69 cases and successfully reintegrated 55 individuals into society. He expressed gratitude to JoyNews, the Multimedia Group, his family and partners, noting the importance of collaboration in sustaining mental health interventions. Bless Lantam, a nurse in the Nkwanta South Municipality in the Oti Region, was recognised for sustaining healthcare delivery in conflict-affected and hard-to-reach communities. Anthony Osei was recognised for his work in restoring mobility through assistive devices and outreach programmes. Valeria Adzo Adzatia was honoured for her work supporting amputees through counselling, rehabilitation and peer mentorship. Faith Aku Dzakpasu was recognised for innovative, inclusive and technology-driven teaching methods. Alberta Seyram Adjoa Ananga Ayitey was honoured for supporting over 1,500 girls through mentorship, menstrual hygiene education and leadership training programmes. Dr. Amos Andoh was recognised for transforming his lived experience with sickle cell disease into national advocacy.