MTN Ghana doubles Heroes of Change prize to GH¢400,000 as Season 8 launches

MTN Ghana has officially launched Season 8 of its flagship Heroes of Change initiative, unveiling a significantly enhanced prize package as it renewed its commitment to celebrating ordinary Ghanaians whose extraordinary acts of selflessness continue to transform lives and communities across the country.

The initiative, launched under MTN Ghana's 2026 Sustainability Month theme, "Together for a Sustainable Future: Small Actions, Big Impact," seeks to identify and reward individuals making meaningful contributions in education, healthcare, economic empowerment, digital innovation and community development.

A major highlight of the launch was the announcement that the overall winner's prize has been doubled from GH¢200,000 to GH¢400,000, making it the biggest reward package in the history of the programme.

The first runner-up prize has also increased from GH¢60,000 to GH¢200,000, while each of the remaining finalists will now receive GH¢100,000, more than double the previous amount of GH¢45,000.

Additional awards will also recognise outstanding contributions in sustainability, digital innovation and the efforts of those who nominate successful finalists.

Speaking at the launch, MTN Ghana's Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Adwoa Wiafe, described Heroes of Change as one of the company's most impactful corporate social investment initiatives because it shines a spotlight on individuals who dedicate their lives to improving the welfare of others without expecting recognition or financial gain.

She paid glowing tribute to past finalists, noting that they wake up each day driven by compassion and a commitment to serve vulnerable people despite receiving no personal reward.

According to her, genuine national progress is driven by citizens who willingly take responsibility for solving problems within their communities.

Mrs. Wiafe linked the initiative to MTN Ghana's 30th anniversary celebration under the theme, "30 Years of Progress, Powered by You," explaining that the company's growth has always been rooted in solving real-life challenges for Ghanaians.

She recalled the era when telephone access was largely confined to communication centres, public phone booths and a privileged few, noting that MTN transformed the telecommunications landscape by expanding connectivity nationwide.

She said the same philosophy continues to inspire Heroes of Change, which seeks out unsung heroes quietly making lasting differences in their communities.

Mrs. Wiafe further observed that although sustainability has become a global corporate priority, many Heroes of Change finalists had been practising sustainable community development long before it became a popular corporate agenda.

She therefore urged Ghanaians to nominate deserving individuals whose remarkable contributions often go unnoticed.

The General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Value, Georgina A. Fiagbenu, said the initiative perfectly reflects this year's Sustainability Month theme by demonstrating how seemingly small acts of kindness can generate significant national impact.

She explained that over the years, Heroes of Change has celebrated teachers, volunteers, caregivers and community champions whose unwavering commitment has strengthened communities and inspired others to contribute to Ghana's development.

Also speaking at the event, Dr. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, Executive Director of The Ark Foundation and overall winner of Season 7, testified to the life-changing impact of the programme.

She revealed that the GH¢100,000 prize received last season enabled The Ark Foundation to renovate its transit shelter, significantly improving accommodation and rehabilitation services for abused women, children and survivors of trafficking and exploitation.

Dr. Dwamena-Aboagye expressed gratitude to MTN Ghana for recognising community volunteers, saying the initiative has amplified the work of all ten finalists and motivated them to continue serving society.

In a touching moment during the launch, Dr. Dwamena-Aboagye joined the nine other Season 7 finalists to present a citation to the MTN Ghana Foundation in appreciation of its sustained investments in education, health and economic empowerment.

The citation praised the Foundation for consistently empowering community changemakers and promoting positive social transformation across Ghana.

MTN Ghana also outlined the roadmap for Season 8. Nominations will be opened from August to September 2026, after which approximately 100 entries will be screened. Judges will shortlist 30 nominees before embarking on nationwide verification visits in September.

The final 10 finalists will be selected in October, with filming scheduled between October and November.

Their inspiring stories will be broadcast from December 2026 to March 2027, culminating in the grand MTN Heroes of Change Awards in March 2027.

Since its inception, Heroes of Change has honoured more than 100 changemakers, complementing the MTN Ghana Foundation's over 178 social intervention projects, which have positively impacted nearly five million people across the country.

By doubling the prize package and expanding recognition for community service, MTN Ghana says it is reaffirming its belief that lasting national development begins with ordinary people performing extraordinary acts of kindness.