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Nana Kwesi Coomson wins Humanitarian Young Philanthropist of the Year
Corporate communications and corporate social responsibility executive, Nana Kwesi Coomson, has been honoured with the Humanitarian Young Philanthropist of the Year Award at the 5th edition of the Western Gospel Awards, held on December 20, 2025, at the serene Western Atlantic Hotel in Takoradi.
The prestigious recognition celebrates Mr. Coomson’s consistent and people-centred humanitarian work, particularly his commitment to empowering vulnerable groups in society. Central to this honour is his annual New Year Party for members of the Ghana Blind Union in the Western Region, an initiative that has evolved beyond celebration into sustainable empowerment. Through the programme, beneficiaries receive interest-free start-up loans to establish small businesses, enabling them to attain economic independence and dignity.
Mr. Coomson is also widely known for his enduring support for orphanages across Ghana. Notably, he undertakes the painting and refurbishment of the Egyam Orphanage every two years, alongside regular donations and interventions aimed at improving the welfare of children in institutional care.
Receiving the award in person, Nana Kwesi Coomson attributed his passion for service to values passed down through generations. Quoting 2 Timothy 1:5, he reflected on the faith and compassion he witnessed in his grandmother and mother, which continue to shape his life’s work. “This has been my story. I saw my grandmother support the less privileged in our community, and my mother constantly extending help to people. It has stayed with me,” he said. He further expressed gratitude to the people of the Western Region for their unwavering support and thanked the organisers for the recognition.
Beyond philanthropy, Nana Kwesi Coomson is also known for youth empowerment initiatives, including the annual ‘Yes We Can’ pep talk for BECE candidates, where he inspires young people to believe in their potential and pursue excellence against all odds. His work as an empowerment coach and social impact advocate continues to touch lives across the country.
Earlier this year, his contributions gained international recognition when he was honoured at the British Council’s Study UK Alumni Awards, which celebrate UK-educated professionals making significant positive impact in their home countries.
Nana Kwesi Coomson is a seasoned communications professional, corporate social responsibility advocate, and youth empowerment coach. He has built a reputation for blending strategic communication with purposeful social impact.
With a strong passion for humanitarian service, he continues to champion initiatives that uplift the vulnerable, empower the youth, and strengthen communities.
He is a Tullow Scholar who studied Corporate Social Responsibility and Energy at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, UK and a 2018 Mandela Washington Fellow who studied Business and Entrepreneurship at Clark Atlanta University in Georgia, USA.
The Ghana Tourism Development Company, GTDC, under the leadership of Prof.Kobby Mensah has launched GTDC Campus Tourism Office at the University of Ghana.
The initiative aims to promote educational and domestic tourism by providing structured campus tour experiences showcasing key heritage sites, including the Archaeology Museum and the School of Performing Arts.
It will also offer students their first travel experience across the continent and inculcate in them love to visit Ghana’s heritage sites.
Addressing the gathering at the launch yesterday, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, described tourism as a vehicle for education and heritage preservation, stressing that the sector must inspire citizens to value and protect national culture for future generations.
The minister highlighted tourism’s connection to disciplines such as history, the arts, economics and environmental science.
The minister further noted that the private sector is the engine of tourism economy, adding that the engines require fuel, which is talents.” by investing in these young people today, you are securing the quality, the innovation and competitiveness of our own industry for tomorrow.
She added that the establishment of the office represents a deliberate investment in the intellectual capital of the country.
The GTDC boss, Prof.Kobby Mensah, said,”at GTDC, we believe that if our tourism has to be sustainable, we have to promote domestic tourism and a very big part of it is getting students to appreciate tourism and helping them to organise tours.”
He added that the University of Ghana itself is a huge heritage site which must be explored.
Prof.Kobby Mensah noted that the initiative, which is one of many to be established across the country, is a joint partnership between GTDC and University of Ghana.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof.Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, said the University is a custodian of heritage which goes beyond the structures and welcomed the establishment of the first Campus Tourism Office.
She was optimistic that the office would be put to good use to achieve the intended purpose.
The launch brought together Stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to nurturing future tourism and hospitality professionals.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Ghana has officially accepted an invitation to serve as Guest Country at Burkina Faso’s 22nd National Culture Week in Bobo-Dioulasso from April 22 to May 2, 2026.
The invitation was extended by Burkina Faso’s Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, Gilbert Noël Ouédraogo, accompanied by the Ambassador of Burkina Faso to Ghana, H.E. David Kabré.
Receiving the delegation, Abla Dzifa Gomashie reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to deepening cultural diplomacy and strengthening historic ties between the two nations.
She noted that the festival will create opportunities for young creatives, expand exhibition platforms and promote commercial exchange within the creative sector.
The event will feature cultural performances, a community village and gastronomy fair, an arts market, literary engagements, and a craft and trade fair.
Ghana’s participation is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations between John Dramani Mahama and Ibrahim Traoré, while fostering collaboration within the creative ecosystems of both countries.
