As part of its objectives aimed at recognizing and acknowledging individuals and groups who play positive and life-changing roles in society, the Advocate for Fair Legal Access Consult, Ghana, AFLAG, honoured distinguished personalities at its maiden 2023 philanthropic Awards-Charity night held at the La Palm Royal Beach hotel on Friday, 17th November, 2023.
Held on the theme “Honouring Humanitarian Heroes: Empowering Change Together,” the colourful ceremony was graced by former Chief Justice, Her. Ladyship Justice Sophia Abena Boafo Akuffo, women advocates, esteemed traditional leaders, social activists, philanthropists, CEOs among others.
As the keynote speaker for the night, Her Ladyship Justice Sophia Abena Boafo Akuffo commended AFLAG on its commitment to accessing human rights and justice.
“AFLAG, with unwavering dedication, has illuminated the path toward justice, equality, and empowerment for such marginalized members of the population. AFLAG is committed to addressing a matter that lies at the core of our shared humanity that is human rights, and more specifically, access to justice and social services that make life meaningful.
“In a world where principles of equality and justice ought to be the cornerstone of all existential structures, it is disheartening to acknowledge the persistent challenges faced by many in accessing their fundamental rights,” she noted.
According to her, the significant bulk of the teeming population of inmates in the grossly shameful overcrowded prisons are therefore offences in respect of which non-custodial sentence would have sufficed.
She called for the immediate passage of the community service bill into action by the current government.
“In a nation where, supposedly, the accepted sentencing policy is no longer retributive, but rather reformative, this contradictory reality is quite inexplicable. Consequently, the passage of the Community Service Bill is long overdue and requires immediate action. As far as one is aware, all the necessary stakeholder-consultations have been done, thus, the systemic delay in the passage of the Bill is hard to fathom, beyond the chronic legislative lethargy. Let us rally together to cause the Bill to be passed into Law under the current administration,” she stated.
Sophia Abena Boafo Akuffo mentioned that the passage will help improve the livelihoods of individuals and the justice system.
“The passage of this Bill will go a long way to boost humane criminal justice delivery (moving it from the Dark Ages of punishment orientation to the 21st Century) and also help individuals, families, communities and the nation at large,” she stressed.
The former Chief Justice also urged stakeholders, NGOs and civil groups to advocate and pursue a common goal within the justice system. This, she noted, is a collective responsibility shared across board.
“I challenge each of us to dig deeper, to advocate more passionately, and to champion the cause of human rights with greater zeal. Working together – the government, civil society, corporate bodies, individuals and international benefactors – we can be the driving force of change, transforming obstacles into stepping stones and pits into wells, for the marginalized across Ghana. With effective collaboration, knowledge and resource sharing and application of best practices, a formidable network of support will engender the strengthening of the foundations of justice,” she said.
On her part, the founder of AFLAG, Mrs. Rita Ama Nupe Demuyakor expressed gratitude to the various honorees, and philanthropists and encouraged individuals and institutions to effectively collaborate with start-up NGOs in order to achieve their goals.
She stated that her outfit has outlined measures and plans to collaborate with institutions to provide support to the vulnerable as well as execute its life-changing projects across the country.
“I wish to use this medium to emphasize the imperative need for corporate bodies to rally behind start-up NGOs, not all start-up NGOs but those with transformative visions. These budding organizations are the heartbeat of societal change, harboring the potential to address pressing issues that would make a substantial impact on our world.
“Start-up NGOs often emerge from the passionate minds of individuals fueled by a desire to tackle unmet needs in our communities. We are leaders who bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the table. However, our journey is fraught with challenges, primarily financial constraints that hinder the realization of our noble objectives.
This is where corporate support becomes paramount. Corporations, as pillars of economic strength, possess the resources and influence necessary to propel our start-up NGOs towards success. By investing in our organizations, not only are you fulfilling your corporate social responsibility, but also contributing to the collective well-being of our society,” Ama Nupe Demuyakor disclosed.
The splendour of the night saw a spotlight on outstanding entities and individuals whose commitment has left an indelible mark in promoting human rights being awarded in different categories.
FULL HONOREES BELOW:
Media Philanthropic Awards
Multimedia Group Ltd
Social Media Influencer
James Annor Tetteh (Nana Tea)
Special Needs Awards
Ms. Zenobia Bou-Chedid (Zenos Foundation)
Youth Philanthropist in Women Empowerment
Rebecca Donkor
Int. NGO Award
Amnesty International Ghana
Women and Children support initiative award
Hon. DR. Bernard Okoe-Boye (NHIA)
Human Rights defender Award
Lawyer Martin Luther Kpebu
Philanthropist- Maternal and Child Health
Kwame Sefa Kayi (Kokrokoo Foundation)
Most Impactful Woman Award
Lawyer Joyce Bawah Mogtari
Women’s Right Champion
Oheneyere Gifty Anti
Faith Based Philanthropy
Dr. Micheal Boadi Nyamekye
Humanitarian Philanthropic Award
Dr. Kofi Amoa-Abban
Community Impact Award
Nana Dr. Appiagyei Dankwawoso I
Humanitarian of the year award
Mr. Eric Seddy Kutortse (Founder / Ex. Chairman First Sky group)
Philanthropist of the year Award
Ibrahim Mahama (CEO of Engineers and Planners)
Lifetime Achievement Award
Mr. Reginald D. Laryea (Gaddy) – Board Chairman, GOIL PLC
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
