Esteemed labour consultant and peace advocate Austin Gamey has called on Ghanaian philanthropists to go beyond giving financial support and actively invest in peace education and youth empowerment, particularly in conflict prevention and mediation training in schools.
Speaking as a guest speaker at the 4th Ghana Philanthropy Awards, organised by The Business Executive at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel on Thursday, 30 October 2025, Gamey praised the awardees for their selfless service to humanity but urged them to expand their impact by addressing the social challenges that hinder national progress.
“Philanthropy is not merely about money—it is a deliberate, sacrificial act to promote the welfare of others,” Gamey told the gathering of development actors, entrepreneurs, and civil society leaders.
“We must take it further by helping to educate our youth in mediation and conflict resolution right from basic through to senior high school. We cannot wait for them to grow into conflict; we must catch them early before they become adults repeating our mistakes.”
He emphasised that rising cases of youth violence, school-related conflicts, and community disputes reflect a deeper moral and social gap that philanthropy can help fill.
“We must support efforts that give young people life skills—the ability to resolve disputes peacefully, communicate effectively, and value tolerance,” he added.
The event, held under the theme “Sustaining Social Impact through Purposeful Giving,” brought together philanthropists, nonprofit leaders, and institutions working to transform lives through acts of generosity and social intervention.
Beacon Helps: A light in the North
Among the awardees, Samuel Yeboah, Director of Beacon International School, gave one of the night’s most heartfelt remarks. His organisation, Beacon Helps, has established a school in Bule, a remote community in the Upper West Region, where access to education was once nearly impossible.
“The nearest school was two hours away by foot,” Yeboah recounted. “Children as young as four simply couldn’t make that journey. So we started a school for them—we have four teachers, two classrooms, and one class that studies under a big mango tree.”
Beacon Helps, he explained, has gone beyond education by drilling a borehole that now serves the entire community, providing uniforms for pupils, and preparing to launch a school feeding programme so that every child receives at least one nutritious meal a day.
“We’re doing this not for awards, but because we love the Lord and we love our people,” he said. “Still, this recognition reminds us that the needs of these children must be brought to the fore. It is an invitation to others to join us.”
Yeboah appealed for support to build a four-classroom block and a footbridge linking Bule 1 and Bule 2—two communities separated by a river that floods during the rainy season, preventing pupils from attending school.
“When the river overflows, children from one side can’t cross,” he explained. “Just a few weeks ago, teachers had to wade into the water and hold each child by hand to cross safely. We hope to build a bridge soon so no child is left behind.”
The community has also offered 100 acres of land to Beacon Helps for farming projects aimed at making the school self-sustaining.
“We plan to grow maize and other crops so the school can support itself,” Yeboah said, adding that the NGO hopes to extend similar projects to other deprived communities in the north.
Championing inclusion for women with disabilities
In another inspiring moment, Veronica Daniel-Kufiedu, Executive Director of the Women with Disabilities Development and Advocacy Organisation (WDAL), received an award recognising her organisation’s dedication to empowering women and girls with disabilities through skills training, advocacy, and social inclusion.
“This award recognises the resilience of women and girls with disabilities who continue to overcome daily barriers,” she said. “Our work is to ensure their voices are heard and their rights respected.”
She called for stronger partnerships with government, civil society, and development partners to build an inclusive society where persons with disabilities are given equal opportunities to thrive.
“Inclusion is not charity—it’s justice,” she said.
TECHAiDE: Driving change through technology
Another honouree, Kafui Prebbie, CEO of TECHAiDE, received the Best ICT for Development Project in Africa award for his organisation’s innovative use of technology to support education and community development.
TECHAiDE has completed over 140 projects across Ghana’s 15 regions and in neighbouring Liberia, Gambia, and Sierra Leone, through partnerships with Implementus and the Helping Africa Foundation.
“We’ve done 140 projects so far, and in the next five years, we’re looking to reach 200 across the continent,” Prebbie said. “Our work focuses on education, girls’ empowerment, and climate action—areas that are vital to Africa’s sustainable future.”
He also highlighted TECHAiDE’s Yamaransa Model Project, a collaborative initiative that provides digital learning infrastructure for underserved schools.
“Over 51% of our projects directly benefit girls,” he added. “We believe technology should empower, not exclude.”
Recognition across the board
The awards also highlighted a number of distinguished individuals and organisations:
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Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng, Executive Director of the Crime Check Foundation, was recognised for outstanding human rights and justice advocacy.
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Mariela Abinagatibo, founder of The Pitch Hub, was awarded for excellence in investor and start-up mentorship.
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Dr. Faiga Kaputa Akepodaka, CEO of Fill the Gap Africa, was honoured with the Visionary Founder Award for Community Empowerment; the organisation is known for women’s empowerment, skills training and child development.
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Sambo Nana Bekang Jirako, founder of Paving of Love Children Foundation, was recognised for humanitarian impacts in community development.
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Emmanuel Ndiaye, CEO of Mama Care Ghana, awarded grants to women’s empowerment.
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Francis Kamala Armstrong, of the Africa Disability Institute, for excellence in disability rights advocacy and inclusive governance.
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Nicodemus Achoo, Executive Director of Opportunity QXL Foundation, was awarded for visionary leadership in development.
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Eric Kipu-Ahenko, program director of Hepatitis A Recovery Place, honoured for outstanding leadership in mental health therapeutic innovation.
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Ambassador Dr. Jolene Anon-Kwoti, founder of Perfect Relief Foundation International, was awarded for “Touching Lives Through Philanthropy.”
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Leon Monti, Director of Kids of Ghana Foundation, honoured for outstanding humanitarian impacts in child welfare.
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Lane Datsi-Yabua, founder of the Alexis Miranda Foundation, for change in disability and inclusion.
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Joyce Lally (also known as Yasika), founder of Autism Is Stigma, was awarded for being a voice of hope in autism advocacy.
A call to action
In his closing remarks, Gamey emphasised that the awardees are not simply beneficiaries of recognition but catalysts for national renewal.
“Those who support others when they are in need deserve to be applauded,” he said. “But more importantly, we must take this spirit forward—transforming charity into a long-term strategy for national growth.”
The event underscored Ghana’s growing philanthropic culture and the critical role of strategic giving in building a more inclusive, empowered and peaceful society.
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