Month: September 2023

The International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA), an inter-governmental organization that promotes peace and sustainability globally, recently unveiled this year’s honorary awards nominees for its prestigious Africa Peace Advocate Awards 2023 (APAA23).

This announcement upholds the IAWPA’s commitment towards peace advocacy and acknowledges outstanding individuals who have significantly contributed to peace activities in Africa.

The IAWPA, established under the laws of United Nations, routinely organizes events and recognitions that uphold peace and brotherhood on a global scale.

The organization’s consistent efforts towards recognizing peace advocates worldwide are commendable.

Its high-profile events have become a significant platform to acknowledge activists who work tirelessly for global peace and sustainable development around the world.

The Africa Peace Advocate Awards (APAA) is one of the hallmark initiatives of the IAWPA for honoring exceptional peace advocates in Africa.

It is an esteemed recognition that celebrates individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to promoting peace and harmony across the African continent.

The award serves not just as a recognition but also as an inspiration for others and a challenge to improve efforts towards attaining a peaceful environment.

In line with its tradition of recognizing such noteworthy contributions, the IAWPA recently unveiled the list of honorees for the 2023 edition of the Africa Peace Advocate Awards (APAA23).

These revered nominees, meticulously selected by the executive board under the leadership of H.E. Ambassador Dr. Samuel Ben Owusu, demonstrated significant efforts in peace advocacy, conflict resolution, community development, and socio-economic contributions aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

The release of this list is a milestone in itself. It symbolizes the IAWPA’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace and facilitating a sustainable development culture in African societies.

It is also a resounding bang of the gong, serving as a call to action for individuals and organizations to ramp up their efforts towards peace advocacy.

“The carefully selected uncategorized list features Ghanaians drawn from various sectors of the country, including humanitarian organizations, non-profits, NGOs, international peace initiatives, UN SDGs advocates, businesses, religious bodies, individuals, politicians, media personalities, and public figures, who are advocating, campaigning for peace, and championing Africa’s development.

These peace advocates and philanthropists are reshaping history, closing inequality gaps, grooming leaders, and pioneering new avenues of wealth creation through their various platforms, careers, and professions.

The approach used in selecting the nominees cuts across recommendations, extensive background checks, social impact, advocacy, and promotion of peace, according to IAWPA’s executive board”.

The awards appreciate and celebrate diversity in peace advocacy, recognizing that sustainable development and peace are multi-faceted concepts that require attention across various industries and sectors.

The forthcoming Africa Peace Advocate Awards 2023, which are being organized on the theme “Action for Africa Peace,” promises to be a memorable occasion ripe with opportunities for connection, dialogue, learning, and inspiration.

The auspicious ceremony, which seeks to honor and celebrate deserving awardees for their remarkable commitments to peace by initiating or leading projects that have significantly contributed to conflict resolution, post-conflict reconstruction, and the overall development of respective communities across the African continent, is scheduled to hold at the plush Pottersville Church Conference Hall, East Legon Hills, Santoe, Accra, on September 21, 2023. Time: 10:00 a.m. prompt.

Ambassador Per Stephan, the World Peace President from Denmark, Ambassador Emmanuel Nweke, the International Peace Spokesman, Dr. Sammy David from Liberia, and Ambassador Livingstone Banjagala from Uganda are all anticipated to attend, as well as other prominent members of international and African peacekeeping organizations, UN delegates, and diplomats.

The IAWPA invites all peace lovers worldwide to join this promising ceremony and be part of the quest for international peace and sustainability.

As we anticipate the upcoming grand ceremony, we can all embrace the common hopes nurtured by IAWPA for a peaceful society and sustainable development.

We can also appreciate the critical role of our awardees and peace advocates in driving these dreams towards reality.

Be part of this rewarding journey of peaceful coexistence and sustainable development as advocated by the International Association of World Peace Advocates.

 

Congratulations to all our Champion Peace Advocates!

Below is the list of the 2023 honorary awards nominees:

 

1. Mrs. Rev. Dr. Joy Owusu

Dean of Covenant Christian Leadership University College, CEO Bolga Waakye, Smile Divilla Ltd.

 

2. Dr. Bright Okoh

CEO of Greenfield Scientific Herbal Clinic

 

3. Lady Rev. Mrs. Martha Frimpong Boateng

CEO, Martha Frimpong Boateng Foundation

 

4. Piesie Esther

Gospel Artist

 

5. Dr. Chester Bonnako

CEO, Grace Homeopathy Clinic

 

6. Ms. Harriet Nartey

Broadcast Journalist

Diplomatic Affairs TV Show

 

7. Ms. Edna Bruce Cudjoe

Edna Bruce Cudjoe Foundation

 

8. Ms. Regina Asamoah

Children and Gender Advocate

CEO Missing Children Ghana

 

9. Apostle Abraham Lamptey

General Overseer, Believers House of Worship Ministries

 

10. Hon. Dr. Mrs. Hanna Louisa Bisiw-Kotei

National Women’s Organizer (NDC)

 

11.Fiifi Pratt

Broadcast Journalist

 

12. Gilbert Aggrey Abeiku

CEO Kaya Tours/Broadcast Journalist

 

13. Nana Ama Anima Tutuwaa I

Naa Tutuwaa Foundation

 

14. Dr. Nana Enyinfua III

CEO, Enakare Foundation

 

15. Mrs. Theresa Tawiah Anang

Head of Women’s Empowerment at Riverside Foundation

 

16. Rev. Dr. Victor Anang

CEO, Crystal Logistics, and General Merchant

 

17. Ms. Pamela Agyapomaa Anokye

Pamcos Foundation

 

18. May Adaeze Chinda

CEO, Save The Child and Widow Foundation

 

19. Ms. Emmaline Dartey

CEO, ICS Africa

 

20. Rev. Dr. Nelly Deladem

Prestige Women’s Network

 

21. Mrs. Yvonne Nana Antonio

Fidelity Bank, PLC

 

22. Captain Nii Kojo Nseni Mankattah

President Gadangme Council of Asafoatsemii and Asafoanyemii

 

23. Ms. Cecilia Agyeiwaa

Broadcast Journalist

 

24.Anokyewaaba Serwaa

Broadcast Journalist

CEO, Anoba Foundation

 

25. Ms. Valentina Ofori Afriyie

Broadcast Journalist

 

26. Mr. Philip Dankwah

CEO, St. Philip Enterprise

 

27. Mr. David Osei

CEO, Silicone Properties Accra

 

28. Nana Okogyeaman Oprepeh X

Chief of Abura Tetsi

Odzikro

 

29. Rita Esionam Garglo

No Limits Charity Organization

 

30. Joseph Kobla Wemakor

CEO, Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At only seven years old, Ivan Selase Hatse is courageously battling a condition under circumstances that would be daunting for many adults. 

Living in Ho West District in the Volta Region of Ghana, Ivan is a Person Living with Physical Disability (PLWD) suffering from a leg deformity that needs corrective orthopaedic surgery.

Ivan’s case is an emblem of the countless struggles encountered by children with physical disabilities in underprivileged environments.

His leg deformity does not merely limit his movement but also hinders him from accessing education, social participation, and other opportunities that children of his age commonly enjoy.

His condition can only be remedied via orthopaedic surgery, which his family cannot afford without help.

Ivan unfortunately lost his dear mom barely a month ago. His father is currently on admission at the hospital, battling a mild stroke. All hope is lost as it stands; these sad developments compound his inability to go to school as expected of any normal child, which is even more worrying.

Orthopaedic surgery can correct deformities or disorders in the skeleton and its associated structures, thereby enabling sufferers like Ivan to lead a more normal life.

Orthopaedic treatment could significantly enhance Ivan’s quality of life, mobility, and future opportunities.

The cost, however, is a major obstacle. The expenses for such specialized procedures are substantial, not to mention the rehabilitation and aftercare that Ivan would need. Currently the cost of his medical surgery including other expenses are pegged at a staggering estimated sum of two hundred thousand Ghana cedis (GH₵200, 000) equivalent to $17,418.20.

Consequently, Mama Lynn Charity Foundation, the Human Rights Reporters Ghana-NGO, and Ivan’s family, including the local well-wishers, are now rallying support to facilitate his surgery.

They are reaching out to both individuals and organizations alike for donations and assistance. Their plight is not an isolated one – financial constraints regularly prevent vulnerable populations from accessing necessary medical interventions.

As their appeal echoes across the district and further into the country, it is becoming evident that the issue is reflective of a broader challenge. It underlines the need for comprehensive healthcare coverage that accounts for specialized treatments like orthopaedic surgery.

It also shines a light on the systemic issues of accessibility and affordability, especially for those in rural communities.

Throughout all this, Ivan remains hopeful. His spirit is unbroken, and his resolve is strong. However, to turn his hope into reality, it will require combined and concerted efforts from well-intentioned benefactors, healthcare institutions, and the government.

“By helping Ivan, we are not only transforming one life but potentially driving change that could improve health outcomes for similarly affected children throughout the Ho West District and beyond.

Let us stand in solidarity with Ivan and join the fight against healthcare inequality by contributing whatever we can and amplifying the call for assistance” says Mama Lynn Charity Foundation’s Founder, Madam Evelyn Agbese Wemegah.

“An opportunity to improve a child’s life sits before us. It is upon everyone in society to lend a hand where we can. Support for Ivan exemplifies the quintessential African philosophy of Ubuntu, showing that our humanity is interconnected.

Donating towards Ivan’s orthopaedic surgery is not just a charitable act, but an investment in a young boy’s future. Enabled to overcome his physical impediments, Ivan might grow up to be a contributor to his community and the nation at large.

His story reinforces the crucial need for a more inclusive, comprehensive, and accessible health care system that caters to all, irrespective of their socio-economic circumstances”, Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana has said.

“We are all duty-bound to ensure that Ivan Selase and his peers are not relegated to the margins due to conditions that can ideally be corrected.

No child should be left behind. As we strive to improve our societal infrastructure, let us not forget Ivan and others like him who can only dream of better days,” says a local sympathizer.

Any kind or monetary donation is appreciated. To help a good cause, please call +233 (0)548665114 or send an email to mamalynnfoundation@gmail.com.

 

Source:humanrightsreporters.com