By Grace Zigah
MTN Ghana has launched Season 8 of its flagship Heroes of Change programme, announcing a substantial increase in prize money and introducing new award categories aimed at supporting individuals whose selfless service is transforming communities across Ghana.
The telecommunications giant has doubled the grand prize for the overall winner from GH¢200,000 to GH¢400,000, describing the increase as a strategic investment to enable beneficiaries to expand the impact of their social interventions rather than merely rewarding past achievements.
Speaking at the launch in Accra, MTN Ghana’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Adwoa Wiafe, said the initiative remains one of the company’s most significant corporate social responsibility programmes, recognizing ordinary Ghanaians whose extraordinary commitment continues to improve lives nationwide.
According to her, the first runner-up will receive GH¢200,000, while each finalist will be awarded GH¢100,000 to support the continuation and expansion of their community projects.
In addition to the enhanced prize packages, MTN Ghana has introduced special awards for sustainability, digital innovation, and individuals who nominate deserving heroes, broadening the programme’s scope to celebrate innovation and encourage greater public participation.
“This year we are significantly enhancing our investment in our heroes. The overall winner’s prize has increased from GH¢200,000 to GH¢400,000. The first runner-up will receive GH¢200,000, while each finalist will receive GH¢100,000,” Ms. Wiafe announced.
She emphasized that the awards are intended to strengthen community development initiatives rather than serve as compensation for previous work.
“These awards are not payment for past work; they are investments in the future impact our heroes will continue to make,” she said.
More Than 100 Community Heroes Recognised
Reflecting on the programme’s impact since its inception, Wiafe revealed that more than 100 individuals have been recognized over the past seven seasons for their outstanding contributions in areas including education, healthcare, youth empowerment, environmental protection, and community development.
She also highlighted the broader achievements of the MTN Ghana Foundation, disclosing that the Foundation has implemented more than 178 major projects, positively impacting approximately five million people across Ghana.
Call for Public Nominations
Ms. Wiafe appealed to Ghanaians to actively participate in the nomination process by identifying individuals quietly making meaningful contributions within their communities.
“I encourage every Ghanaian to look around their community. Somewhere nearby is a remarkable individual quietly teaching, healing, mentoring or transforming lives. Do not simply admire them. Nominate them. Let Ghana celebrate them,” she urged.
She also expressed appreciation to the National Communications Authority, members of the media, judges, partners, and other stakeholders for their continued support in sustaining the programme over the years.
Declaring Season 8 officially open, Ms. Wiafe reaffirmed MTN Ghana’s commitment to celebrating selfless service and inspiring positive social change by shining a spotlight on individuals whose contributions often go unnoticed.
