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On March 14, 2026, the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra hosted the third edition of the C.H.I.L. Awards, an evening marked by warmth, elegance, and a shared purpose. The venue, bathed in golden light, came alive with the sounds of a live band, while a sea of refined African couture set a prestigious yet intimate atmosphere.
At the heart of the event was a mission—to spotlight the leadership, resilience, and innovation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Entrepreneurship, Disability Sports, and Education. For years, disability in Ghana has been framed through the lens of limitation, but the 2026 C.H.I.L. Awards aimed to challenge and reshape that narrative.
Through powerful stories, the evening showcased not deficit, but brilliance; not sympathy, but strength; not barriers, but triumph.
The emotional peak of the night came with the address by Bishop Dr. Charles Cofie Hackman. His steady, grateful, and resolute words reminded the audience of the significance of H4P’s work and its ongoing mission. He described the organization’s beginnings as an act of courage, founded on the conviction that Persons with Disabilities deserve opportunities, not sympathy.
For fifteen years, H4P (Helping Hands for People with Disabilities) has championed advocacy, innovation, and community engagement, often without external funding or guarantees. Today, it stands as a beacon of empowerment, with a reach that spans media advocacy through The Helping Hand TV Show, community health programs, educational initiatives, and policy engagement.
Bishop Hackman praised this year’s honourees, reaffirming H4P’s long-standing mandate to expand access, shift perceptions, and celebrate ability.
After a rigorous selection process with nominations from across the country, this year’s awards marked a significant milestone. For the first time, the achievements of the disability community in Ghana received the national and international visibility they truly deserve.
The distinguished winners of the 2026 C.H.I.L. Awards were:
Prof. Augustina Naami, Associate Professor at the University of Ghana, recognized for her over fourteen years of pioneering work in disability inclusion, mental health, and social policy.
Victoria Teni Luatemah, CEO of VICLUATEMAH Enterprise in Sefwi Akontombra, celebrated for building a resilient, community-driven social enterprise in sectors including agribusiness, food processing, detergents, beekeeping, beadwork, piggery, and sustainable waste solutions.
Zinabu Issah, national para-thrower in the F57 category, honored for her remarkable achievements in para-sports, including a gold-medal-winning 29.25m discus throw at the 2025 WPA Marrakech Grand Prix.
Each awardee received a C.H.I.L. Plaque, Medal of Honour, Certificate, a cash prize, a feature interview on The Helping Hand TV Show, and one year of free publicity to support their next major project.
The event also welcomed Hon. Isaac Maigua Mwaura, CBS, Government Spokesperson of the Republic of Kenya, as the Special Guest of Honour. A respected voice in disability inclusion and human rights, Hon. Mwaura’s leadership in disability advocacy earned him the C.H.I.L. Lifetime Honorary Award. He was recognized for his pioneering work as Kenya’s first MP and Senator with albinism and his founding role in the Albinism Society of Kenya.
The ceremony was punctuated by live performances from Minister Elorm, Douglas Makafui, and the Visionary Rhythms Band, providing a soulful backdrop to the evening. Testimonial videos from past honourees, including Prof. Wisdom Mprah, Raphael Botsyo Nkegbe, Dr. Seidu Daanaa, Judith Cato Addison, and Sister Elizabeth, drew heartfelt applause as they reflected on the platform’s impact on their visibility and work.
Fifteen years after its founding, H4P has become a shining example of how advocacy platforms can influence policy, shift public perceptions, and transform lives. Through its initiatives—including The Helping Hand TV Show, Ability Praise Concerts, Celebration of Love projects, and the C.H.I.L. Awards—H4P has woven together advocacy, service, and recognition into a powerful narrative: “Bringing Dignity to Disability.”
The C.H.I.L. Awards, named after the late Mrs. Christina Anansiwa Hackman, mother of H4P CEO Bishop Charles Cofie Hackman, serve as a living memorial to her lifelong service and inspiration. Her work continues to shape H4P’s flagship initiatives, from inclusive health outreach to media advocacy, and celebratory platforms that honor the contributions of Persons with Disabilities in Ghana and beyond.
Story:Efua Nessa
Source:Loco tv