A Year of Recognition: SCA Celebrates AEPA 2026 and Ghana Development Awards Honours

With hearts full of gratitude, we celebrate Sr. Olivia Umoh, SCA’s Executive Director, for her outstanding service and the difference she continues to make through Safe-Child Advocacy.

We are delighted to share a proud milestone for Safe-Child Advocacy (SCA).
Sr. Olivia Umoh, DC, our Executive Director, was honoured at the Africa Excellence and Personality Awards (AEPA) 2026, held on 11 April 2026 at the Airport View Hotel in Accra, with the award for Excellence in Humanitarian and Child Rights Advocate.

Sr. Olivia’s leadership reflects what SCA stands for: showing up consistently for children, strengthening safeguarding, and speaking up for the rights and dignity of every child—especially children and families in vulnerable and street situations.

For us, this recognition is more than an award. It is encouragement to keep doing the everyday work that protects children by speaking up for their rights, strengthening safeguarding, and walking alongside children, families, and people in vulnerable and street situations.

AEPA is held each year to celebrate individuals and organizations across Africa who are making a real difference. The 2026 ceremony marked the third edition of the awards. The organizers often describe AEPA as more than a ceremony. It is a chance to celebrate service and the lasting impact it can have on society.

In selecting honourees, the awards consider factors such as influence and the people reached, credibility and track record, the value of the person or organisation’s work and story, and what truly sets them apart. At its heart, AEPA shines a light on work that is improving lives.

The Social Guest of Honour was Odefour Amoakwa Buadu VIII, Chief of Braman Asikuma and President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs.

This honour motivates us to keep showing up, especially for children who need protection the most, by strengthening safeguarding systems and providing practical support in our communities.

Every time a child is listened to, believed, and protected, we move a step closer to the safer communities we all want.

The award was presented to Sr. Olivia Umoh, DC for her outstanding service and leadership through Safe-Child Advocacy, work that continues to advance child rights, protection, and safeguarding.

It was also inspiring to see many other individuals and organisations recognized for their impact. Some of the 2026 recipients included Prof. Said Aboud, Director General of the National Institute for Medical Research in Tanzania; Joy Mataruka, recognised for Excellence in Hospitality; Mr. Richard Yeboah, recognized in Agriculture through Manasseh Farms Agribusiness; Henry K. Yankson, honoured for Excellence in Financial Impact and CEO of Ankobra West Rural Bank; Mr. Gopal Vasu, recognised as a Distinguished Leader in Pharmaceutical and Agro Business and CEO of M and G Pharmaceuticals Ltd; Eng. Eliya Kishaluki, CEO of Wagenzy Company Ltd in Tanzania; Mr. Richard Duah, CEO of Samartex FC and Managing Director of Samartex Wood Processing Company; Classic Cristken, recognised as an Outstanding Construction Company in Africa; Ankobra West Rural Bank, recognized as an Outstanding Rural Bank in Africa; and Eugene Mat Travel Consults, recognized within the service sector.

We share this moment with everyone who supports our work, including our team, volunteers, partners, donors, and community members who report concerns, speak up, and help keep children safe.

Thank you to the organizers of AEPA for this honour, and to everyone who has supported Safe-Child Advocacy along the way. We are taking this as fresh motivation to keep advocating for children’s rights, strengthening safeguarding, and supporting people in vulnerable and street situations.

Thank you for being part of this journey. If you believe every child deserves safety and dignity, stand with us by sharing our message, partnering with us, or supporting our work in your community.

We are also grateful for another milestone. On 5 March 2026, SCA was recognized at the third Ghana Development Awards held at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra. The ceremony brought together leaders from across Ghana’s public and private sectors and the wider development community to celebrate impactful work. Safe-Child Advocacy received an award for our dedication to safeguarding childhood and promoting the rights of the child.

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