Senior High School (SHS) graduates have been challenged to pursue their dreams with courage, preparation and resilience as they prepare to take the next step in their educational and career journeys.

Broadcaster and Entertainment Journalist, Mr Kofi Hayford, gave the challenge when he addressed SHS graduates at a career mentorship programme hosted by Heritage Christian University at Amasaman on Saturday.

The event, which brought together hundreds of young people, provided participants with practical guidance on career choices, personal development and life after Senior High School.

Held on the theme, “Dream, Pursue, Achieve: Building your future with confidence,” the programme sought to equip the young people with the knowledge and mindset needed to navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Mr Hayford told the graduates that success was built long before opportunities arrived and urged them to approach their future with confidence, discipline and a willingness to learn.

Quoting civil rights activist Malcolm X, he said, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

The broadcaster shared his personal journey into the media, explaining that his path to becoming one of Ghana’s recognisable broadcast voices was far from straightforward.

He disclosed that before joining Joy FM, he explored several career interests, including computer science, telecommunications, graphic design, acting, voice-over work and media production, as he searched for his true calling.

Mr Hayford encouraged the graduates to dream beyond their current circumstances, identify and develop their natural talents, and create opportunities rather than waiting for them to come their way.

He also urged them to make the best use of available resources, use social media positively, prepare consistently for opportunities and embrace continuous learning.

Organisers said the mentorship programme formed part of Heritage Christian University’s commitment to preparing young people academically, professionally and personally for the next phase of their educational journey.

Some participants expressed appreciation for the practical lessons and personal experiences shared during the programme, describing the session as an inspiring and valuable experience that had renewed their confidence as they prepared for the next chapter of their lives.

MTN Ghana, a leading telecommunication giant on Wednesday launched one of its flagship events, ‘Heroes of Change’ in Accra.

The annual event in its eighth edition seeks to honour selfless Ghanaians whose voluntary efforts continue to transform lives and communities across the country.

These individuals would be honoured in areas like education, healthcare, economic empowerment, digital innovation and community development.

The launch also formed part of the company’s 2026 Sustainability Month celebration, held under the theme, “Together for a Sustainable Future: Small Actions, Big Impact.”

Launching this year’s initiative, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, described ‘Heroes of Change’ as one of the company’s most impactful corporate social investment programmes because it shines a spotlight on ordinary Ghanaians who dedicate themselves to improving the lives of others without expecting recognition or reward.

She paid tribute to previous finalists, noting that “they wake up every day with a passion to serve vulnerable members of society despite receiving no financial compensation.”

Mrs Wiafe linked the initiative to MTN Ghana’s 30th anniversary theme, “30 Years of Progress, Powered by You,” explaining that the company’s success has always been rooted in solving everyday problems for ordinary Ghanaians rather than merely pursuing commercial interests.

Mrs Wiafe encouraged the public to nominate deserving individuals whose contributions often remain unnoticed.

She announced a significant increase of the prize package. The overall winner will now receive GH¢400,000, double the amount given in the previous edition, while the first runner-up’s prize has been raised from GH¢60,000 to GH¢200,000. Each of the remaining finalists will receive GH¢100,000 instead of GH¢45,000.

Additional awards will also be presented in the areas of sustainability, digital innovation and to individuals who nominate successful finalists.

The General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Value, Mrs Georgina A. Fiagbenu, said the initiative perfectly reflects MTN Ghana’s Sustainability Month theme by demonstrating how simple acts of kindness can generate lasting impact.

She noted that over the years, Heroes of Change has recognised teachers, caregivers, volunteers and community champions who identify local challenges and work tirelessly to address them.

The overall winner of Season Seven and Executive Director of The Ark Foundation, Dr Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, shared how the recognition had strengthened the Foundation’s mission of supporting abused women and children.

Dr Dwamena-Aboagye expressed appreciation to MTN Ghana for recognising community volunteers, adding that the platform had amplified the work of all 10 finalists and motivated them to continue serving their communities.

MTN Ghana also outlined the roadmap for Season 8. Nominations will be received from August to September 2026, after which about 100 entries will be screened and narrowed down to 30 shortlisted nominees.

Verification visits across the country will take place in September before the final 10 are selected in October. Their stories will be filmed between October and November and televised from December 2026 to March 2027, culminating in the grand awards ceremony in March 2027.

By Linda Abrefi Wadie