The YAFO Institute recently hosted the 2025 edition of its Heroes of Liberty Dinner and Awards Ceremony, a premier event dedicated to celebrating the champions of freedom and excellence in Ghana.
Held on December 26, 2025, the ceremony brought together an influential group of policymakers, media professionals, and key stakeholders.
The evening served as a platform to recognise individuals and institutions that have made significant strides in advancing leadership, liberty, and impactful policy development over the past year.In his keynote address, Mr Nathaniel Dwamena, President of the YAFO Institute, noted that the ceremony has quickly become a cornerstone of the organisation’s calendar since its inception in 2024.
He emphasised that the awards are designed to honour those who distinguished themselves through unwavering dedication during the year under review.
The 2025 awards were distributed across several prestigious categories, including Best Staff & Best Volunteers: Honouring internal excellence and service.Outstanding Department Members: Recognising specialised contributions to the institute’s mission.
Media Excellence: Celebrating the vital role of the press.A significant portion of the evening focused on the Media Excellence awards. Mr Dwamena praised the recipients for their critical role in amplifying the institute’s research and advocacy. By bridging the gap between policy work and the public, these media partners ensured that messages of liberty and leadership reached a national audience.
“Today is set aside to honour everyone who played a role in helping us achieve our mission this year. This is the second time we are organising this ceremony. We started in 2024, continued in 2025, and it is our plan to make it an annual event,” Mr Dwamena stated.
He used the occasion to call on Ghanaians to support think tank organisations, noting that their research and policy advocacy play a critical role in national development.
When asked about his view on the Virtual Asset Bill, Mr Dwamena said the initiative forms part of a broader ECOWAS regional effort to regulate virtual assets.
However, he stressed the need for broader stakeholder consultations before the Bank of Ghana finalises the bill.
“The intention behind the bill is good, particularly in addressing money laundering and related crimes, but the current approach could create challenges. The crypto space is largely transparent, and transactions are visible in real time,” he explained, urging regulators to view cryptocurrency as an innovation rather than primarily as a crime avenue.He further advised the public to exercise caution when engaging in cryptocurrency trading.
“People must use trusted platforms, avoid third parties, and ensure transactions are backed by smart contracts. When smart contracts are involved, participants can be assured of safety within the crypto space,” he added.
Below is the list of awardees
Individual Excellence Awards
- Best Staff of the Year: Richard Nyarko
- Best Team Leader of the Year: Joshua
- Best Team Member of the Year: Nii Lamptey
- Best Fundraiser: Winifred
- Volunteer of the Year: Charles Odinyea
Academic & Research Awards
- Outstanding Policy Scholar of the Year: Nii Lante
- Think Tank Reporting of the Year: Prince Kofi Asiedu
Media & Advocacy Awards
- Impactful Social Reporting: Sikaman Times
- Best Women’s Advocate: Ladies Network for Economic Freedom
- Liberty Champion of the Year: Anagerioum Ghana Limited
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
