Raymond Senyo Amezado named overall winner at 2025 JoyNews Impact Makers Awards

The 3rd edition of the JoyNews Impact Makers Awards has crowned Raymond Senyo Amezado as the overall winner for 2025, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to social impact and nonprofit work in Ghana.

In an emotional acceptance speech, Raymond used the platform to highlight the vital role nonprofit actors play in national development.“I stayed inform some time before I moved to Ghana, and there’s always this debate about whether the nonprofit sector creates jobs. But if you compare the jobs that nonprofits create in the U.S. with what Hollywood and the creative arts generate, nonprofits are unmatched,” he said

Raymond paid tribute to fellow changemakers across Ghana, acknowledging the immense personal sacrifices they make behind the scenes.

“Some of my colleagues have spouses who don’t understand the calling. You come home and your spouse says, ‘we need money for this,’ but you’ve spent your time changing lives for free,” he said.

The 2025 edition of the JoyNews Impact Makers Awards spotlighted individuals transforming communities through health, education, science, social justice, and WASH initiatives.

The ceremony, held at the Ecobank Head Office in Accra, was graced by key stakeholders, with support from the McDan Foundation, Maranatha Oil Services, and several corporate sponsors.

Raymond’s win is not just a personal milestone—it is a powerful recognition of the men and women across Ghana who are making a difference without expecting the spotlight.

Raymond, an army veteran, returned to Ghana to tackle poverty through the Fafali Organization.

Fafali reaches over 4,000 children annually through after-school education, STEM programme, sports coaching, and scholarships.

These community initiatives have led to a doubling of high school enrolment, an 80% reduction in teenage pregnancy, and the introduction of hundreds of youths to technology and sports, including producing Ghana’s top-ranked female golfer in its focus areas.

These areas include Kissehman, Anumle, Christian Village, Achimota College, Golf Hills, Dome, Alogboshie, West Legon, and Pillar Two.

Raymond funds the initiatives through international volunteer donations, global student exchanges, and private affiliations. Under his leadership, Fafali continues to crush barriers to opportunity and equity.