On March 5, 2026, Opportunity Two Excel Foundation (OTEF) proudly received the National Impact Award for Development Advancement at the prestigious 3rd Ghana Development Awards 2026, hosted by The Business Executive Group at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra.

Representing OTEF at this landmark event were Mr. Evans Yaw Adelakoe, CIO/IT Director, and Mr. Muniru Mahmud, Human Resource Officer. Their presence underscored the foundation’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaborative impact in Ghana’s development landscape.

Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Nicodemus Nalerrow Atsu, Executive Director / CEO, OTEF continues to drive meaningful change across communities in Ghana.

A Star-Studded Gathering of Dignitaries

The awards ceremony brought together a distinguished assembly of high-profile dignitaries, policymakers, diplomats, business leaders, traditional authorities, development partners, and changemakers. Their collective presence reflected the national importance of recognizing excellence in nation-building and economic recovery.

Notable dignitaries and special guests in attendance included:

• Hon. Austin Gamey, Chief Executive Officer of Gamey & Gamey Group (who served as Keynote Speaker)
• Dr. Alhaji Ahmed Zaruk (also referred to as Dr. Zaruk Nuhu), Founder and Principal of Advance Global University College (Guest Speaker)
• Ms. Beata Matusiková, Head of Trade and Economic Section, Embassy of the Czech Republic in Ghana
• Dr. Allen Anie, Head of the Innovative Finance and Inclusive Growth Cluster, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
• Dr. Leslie Casely-Hayford, Executive Director of Associates for Change
• Reverend Father Andrew Campbell, Executive Director and Founder of the Lepers Aid Committee
• Ambassadors and representatives from various diplomatic missions
• Senior government officials, traditional leaders, and captains of industry

This convergence of leaders created an inspiring atmosphere of collaboration and shared commitment to Ghana’s socio-economic progress.

A Well-Deserved Recognition

The Ghana Development Awards celebrate individuals, organizations, and institutions that demonstrate measurable, transformative contributions to Ghana’s socio-economic progress — especially in areas such as community empowerment, education, health, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and poverty alleviation. The National Impact Award for Development Advancement specifically honors organizations that create lasting, scalable solutions to national challenges while inspiring others to act.

For OTEF, this award validates years of dedicated, women-led work on the ground. As a registered NGO with UN accreditation, OTEF has consistently delivered innovative programs that address some of Ghana’s most pressing issues:

• Education for All — Supporting children in underserved communities and building school infrastructure.
• Clean Water for All — Providing access to safe drinking water in rural areas.
• Climate Change Adaptation — Promoting sustainable agriculture, healthy living, and resilient infrastructure.
• Gender Equity & Women’s Livelihoods — Empowering women and tackling child poverty through targeted community interventions.

These efforts align perfectly with the award’s focus on purposeful leadership and measurable national development.

Words from the Representatives

“This award is not just for us — it belongs to every child we’ve educated, every woman we’ve empowered, every community we’ve supported with clean water, and every volunteer who has stood with us. Receiving the National Impact Award for Development Advancement motivates us to scale our impact even further across Ghana.” — Mr. Evans Yaw Adelakoe, CIO/IT Director

“As a team, we are humbled and energized. This recognition reaffirms that when opportunity meets determination, real change happens. We remain committed to creating pathways for vulnerable populations to excel.” — Mr. Muniru Mahmud, Human Resource Officer

Looking Ahead: Greater Impact, Stronger Partnerships

This milestone comes at a pivotal time for Ghana as the nation continues its post-COVID recovery and pushes toward sustainable development goals. OTEF sees the award as both an honor and a call to action — to deepen partnerships with government, private sector, donors, and communities; to expand current campaigns (Education for All, Clean Water for All, and School Building For All); and to amplify our voice on climate resilience and gender-inclusive development.

We invite individuals, corporations, and partners who share our vision to join us. Whether through volunteering, donations, or collaboration, every contribution helps turn opportunity into excellence for the next generation of Ghanaians.