Valeria Adzo Adzatia Crowned Overall Impact Maker at 2026 JoyNews Impact Makers Awards

The 2026 JoyNews Impact Makers Awards, held at the prestigious Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, reached its pinnacle with the crowning of Valeria Adzo Adzatia as the Overall Impact Maker of the Year. Organized by The Multimedia Group Limited, the ceremony served as a high-profile platform to honor individuals and organizations whose self-driven initiatives are transforming Ghanaian communities. The event brought together a distinguished assembly of policymakers, development partners, and community champions to celebrate those who proactively step in to address critical social challenges where traditional systems may fall short.

The night’s top honoree, Valeria Adzo Adzatia, is the visionary founder of the Smiles of Hope Foundation, an organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and social reintegration of amputees across Ghana. Her work has significantly impacted thousands of lives through a comprehensive approach involving counseling, peer mentorship, and physical rehabilitation. By addressing the deep-seated stigma and social exclusion often faced by those living with limb loss, Adzatia’s foundation has helped countless individuals regain their confidence and return to active roles within society. Her recognition at the awards underscores the vital importance of grassroots support systems in providing specialized care for vulnerable populations.

Upon receiving the award, Adzatia expressed profound gratitude, emphasizing the emotional weight of her team’s work and the resilience of those they serve. She dedicated the honor to all individuals living with disabilities, calling for a continued and collective commitment to their cause. The 2026 edition of the awards further solidified JoyNews’ role in championing social impact, highlighting the power of individual initiative in driving national progress. By showcasing these "impact makers," the ceremony not only rewards past achievements but also inspires a new generation of Ghanaians to take ownership of the social challenges within their own neighborhoods.