The evening began with a stunning red carpet event, setting the tone for a night filled with elegance and inspiration. Guests were treated to amazing performances by Min Elorm, Daniel Opoku Adjei, Seperewa Agofoma (Abena Serwaa Osei Korankye) and Douglas Makafui.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement, inspiration, hope and motivation as testimonies from persons with disabilities and stakeholders in the disability community commended Bishop Dr. Charles Cofie Hackman and the H4P Organization for 14 years of continuous impactful support for PWDs. These included Madam Christine Chama, Human Rights Commissioner, Republic of Zambia, Sefakor G.M.A Komabu-Pomoyie, PhD, Director of Inclusive Excellence and Lecturer, University of Vermont USA and Hon. Abdulhakim Ware Shehe, Legislator and Member of County Assembly Tana River MCA, Kenya and Madam Mawunyo Yakor-Dagbah , Vice President of the West African Federation of the Disabled highlighted the transformative impact of H4P's initiatives.
The highlight of the night was the presentation of the CHIL Awards, a groundbreaking recognition exclusively for persons with disabilities. Three exceptional individuals were honored for their remarkable contributions in the areas of sports, entrepreneurship, and education. These awards not only celebrated their achievements but also underscored the importance of promoting disability inclusion and empowerment.
In the sports category, the Award went to Raphael Botsyo Nkegbe, a remarkable three-time Paralympian celebrated for his extraordinary achievements in parasports. Raphael’s distinguished career spans over a decade, including participation in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, the 2011 Maputo African Games, the 2012 London Paralympics, and the 2023 Paris Games.
The Entrepreneurship Award recognized Mr. Ntim Twumasi Kwaku (NTK), a celebrated Ghanaian entrepreneur and philanthropist, renowned for his significant impact on both the business landscape and social development. The Education Award was presented to Prof. Wisdom Mprah, an esteemed Associate Professor at the Department of Health Promotion and Disability Studies, School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), recognized for his unwavering commitment to advancing the education and welfare of individuals with disabilities.
The winners of the prestigious C.H.I.L. Awards received a CHIL Plaque, CHIL Certificate, CHIL Medal of Honour, a cash prize, an exclusive interview with Bishop Dr. Charles Cofie Hackman, and a year of free publicity for any project they undertake.
Award recipients and their representatives expressed their profound appreciation Bishop Dr. Charles Cofie Hackman and the H4P Organization for recognizing their works and achievements.
The Special Guest of Honour, Sister Elizabeth Newman of the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) in her opening address recounted the strides made in tackling disability over the decades. She however added that there was much more to be achieved in creating a very enabling and inclusive society. She was honored with the Prestigious C.H.I.L. Lifetime Honorary Award for her unwavering commitment to service, education, and compassion throughout her remarkable journey in Ghana since 1974.
The H4P Organization remains dedicated to its mission, continuing to advocate for the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. The success of the prestigious C.H.I.L Awards and Dinner Night is a powerful reminder that when we come together to celebrate diversity and inclusion, we create a world where everyone can thrive.