As part of this year’s Yendi Youth Summit, we are proud to launch the first-ever Yendi Achiever’s Awards—a prestigious celebration of individuals and groups making exceptional contributions to the growth, unity, and transformation of Yendi Municipality.
Below are the 15 award categories, including what each award stands for and what the panel will look for in selecting winners. We encourage all community members, students, diaspora, youth, and elders to nominate people who truly deserve these honors.
Important Notice on Selection Process
This is not a popularity contest.
There will be no public voting for the Yendi Achiever’s Awards.
All nominations will be carefully reviewed by an independent panel of credible community leaders, sector experts, and advisors. Winners will be selected based strictly on merit, authenticity, and proven impact in their respective fields.
We encourage thoughtful, honest, and well-supported submissions that reflect true community excellence.
1. Lifetime Impact Award
Definition:
Honors an individual whose lifelong commitment, leadership, and selfless service have significantly improved the lives of people in Yendi over many years.
Criteria:
- Over 20 years of consistent community or public service
- Transformational leadership or mentorship
- High level of respect and credibility across generations
- Tangible and long-lasting community contributions
2. Youth Leadership Award
Definition:
Recognizes a young person (aged 18–45) demonstrating outstanding leadership in youth development, advocacy, or civic engagement.
Criteria:
- Proven record of mobilizing youth for a cause
- Leadership in innovation, social change, or youth voice
- Active role in decision-making spaces or initiatives
- Demonstrated commitment to empowering others
3. Education & Academic Excellence Award
Definition:
Celebrates a student, teacher, or education advocate contributing to quality learning, academic innovation, or excellence in formal education.
Criteria:
- Exceptional academic achievement or improvement
- Positive influence on school or educational outcomes
- Involvement in tutoring, mentoring, or education reform
- Recognized by peers or institutions for educational impact
4. Entrepreneurship & Innovation Award
Definition:
Honors a local entrepreneur, startup, or innovator contributing to economic development through creative, sustainable, and impactful business solutions.
Criteria:
- Locally owned or managed enterprise
- Creativity and sustainability in business model
- Job creation and community benefit
- Social or environmental innovation
5. Health & Social Impact Award
Definition:
Recognizes an individual or health worker advancing health access, mental wellness, hygiene, or social care within Yendi communities.
Criteria:
- Advocacy or service in WASH, maternal health, mental health, or youth wellbeing
- Grassroots health education or outreach
- Community recognition for impact and trust
- Inclusive and people-centered approaches
6. Creative Arts & Culture Promotion Award
Definition:
Celebrates individuals promoting Dagbon culture, creative expression, music, visual arts, storytelling, or fashion in ways that empower and preserve identity.
Criteria:
- Promotion of Dagbon heritage or local storytelling
- Creative excellence and originality
- Youth engagement in arts or cultural revival
- Recognition beyond Yendi or regional level
7. Diaspora Contribution Award
Definition:
Recognizes a Yendi-born or Dagbon-affiliated person living abroad or outside the region who has contributed meaningfully to development back home.
Criteria:
- Consistent support for local initiatives or institutions
- Funding, mentorship, or skills transfer efforts
- Positive ambassadorial role for Yendi
- Linkages to external opportunities or exposure
8. Community Development Award
Definition:
Awarded to a person contributing to infrastructure, peacebuilding, environmental conservation, or livelihoods improvement at the grassroots level.
Criteria:
- Physical development projects or social investments
- Collaboration with traditional/community leaders
- Results-driven initiatives (tree planting, sanitation, access to services)
- Volunteerism or mobilization success
9. Sports & Talent Development Award
Definition:
Celebrates an athlete, coach, or organizer dedicated to discovering, nurturing, and promoting sports or local talents.
Criteria:
- Achievement in local/regional/national sports
- Coaching or mentoring young athletes
- Organizing tournaments or talent events
- Discipline, consistency, and community recognition
10. Media, Communication & Influence Award
Definition:
Recognizes a communicator, journalist, radio personality, or influencer using media to inspire, inform, or drive change in Yendi.
Criteria:
- Quality, impact, and reach of content
- Promotion of positive narratives and advocacy
- Engagement with youth or underrepresented voices
- Responsible and ethical communication
11. Public Service & Governance Award
Definition:
Awarded to a public servant, assembly member, or civil servant demonstrating exceptional dedication, transparency, and responsiveness in governance.
Criteria:
- High level of integrity and community trust
- Impactful government service delivery
- Civic education or community participation initiatives
- Youth inclusion or policy impact
12. Female Changemaker Award
Definition:
Celebrates a woman making bold strides in her field or community—empowering others, breaking barriers, and leading change.
Criteria:
- Track record of resilience and achievement
- Mentorship or support to women/girls
- Advocacy or leadership in education, business, health, etc.
- Recognition within and beyond her immediate circle
13. Male Changemaker Award
Definition:
Honors a man making meaningful contributions to development, advocacy, or empowerment in a way that uplifts his peers and community.
Criteria:
- Consistent and values-driven impact
- Youth mentorship or inclusion
- Integrity and servant leadership
- Proven contributions to collective good
14. Community Impact Group Award
Definition:
Awarded to an association, youth group, or community-based organization making a strong collective impact on development or social change.
Criteria:
- Group-led actions and teamwork
- Impactful programs or campaigns
- Volunteerism and community trust
- Collaboration with institutions or networks
15. Legacy Recognition Award (Honorary)
Definition:
A special honorary category to recognize a distinguished individual whose story or contribution deserves to be remembered across generations.
Criteria:
- Symbolic or historic contributions to Yendi
- Posthumous or long-term service
- Community recommendation or nomination
- Inspiration and intergenerational impact
VOTE NOW
Note: You may nominate different individuals or groups for multiple award categories.
After submitting a nomination, simply click “Submit another response” to nominate for another category.
✅ One nomination per category per submission.
