ALPi’s Nana Adjoa Hackman named Humanitarian of the Year at 2026 Ghana Women of the Year Honours

Being recognised as Humanitarian of the Year just a few months shy of Drive to Inspire-Africa’s third anniversary, feels surreal and deeply encouraging, says corporate, banking, and petroleum law expert Nana Adjoa Hackman, the Managing Partner and co-founder of Accra-headquartered Africa Legal Associates (ALPi). 

“It is not a reflection of my work alone, but of the consistent effort of our staff, partners, and over 300 committed volunteers across 22 countries,” she shared following the presentation at the 11th Ghana Women of the Year Honours, which celebrated and recognised exceptional Ghanaian women whose work and impact are shaping industries, influencing communities, and driving national development.

“Empowering young people in Africa is a monumental task, but an absolutely essential one,” says Hackman, the founder and Executive Chair of Drive to Inspire-Africa, an NGO dedicated to guiding and supporting teens and young adults, with a strong focus on girls, to unlock their full potential through education and mentorship. “Our continent’s youth bulge must yield nothing but positive outcomes.”

Drive to Inspire-Africa has already engaged more than 40,000 African youth: providing career guidance and counselling, arranging visits to nearly 40 schools, pairing young people with professional mentors, and awarding 40 scholarships to talented yet economically disadvantaged girls, enabling them to pursue higher education and vocational training, breaking the cycle of poverty in their families.

Born from a strong belief that with guidance and encouragement children from even the least privileged backgrounds can be inspired to become key agents of change, Drive to Inspire-Africa seeks to empower youth (over 60% of the continent’s overall population is under the age of 25) to help transform Africa. 

Hackman was one of 12 women celebrated at a glittering Ghana Women of the Year ceremony last Friday night at the prestigious Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra. 

Alongside being deeply honoured and encouraged to receive the Humanitarian of the Year honour at the 2026 Awards, Hackman paid tribute to Drive to Inspire-Africa’s very first volunteer, teacher Kenneth Anim, who “played an instrumental role” in Hackman starting the initiative, but sadly died recently in a tragic road accident. 

“The first time we met, he nudged me toward starting this journey. And until his death, he played a key role in organising our outreach events to Senior High Schools. Reflecting on his passing, I realised something profound: I didn’t recruit Ken. In many ways, he recruited me, and made absolutely sure I followed through.”

Other 2026 Ghana Women of the Year honourees included Matilda Asante-Asiedu of the Bank of Ghana (Corporate Personality of the Year), Commissioner of Police Lydia Yaako Donkor (Excellence in Public Service), film director and producer Scilla Owusu (Excellence in Creative Arts), OB-GYN resident Dr Erica Ntiamoah Mensah (Young Star), and Nana Akua Maafo-Dosoo of the Listening Bureau (Activist of the Year). 

Trailblazing leader Rev Dr Joyce Aryee, considered one of Ghana’s most respected and transformative figures, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award

“From her pioneering role as the first female Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines to her impactful work in ministry and national development, she has consistently demonstrated excellence across multiple fields,” said event organisers Glitz Africa, noting Dr Aryee’s influence spanned governance, business, and faith-based leadership. The Lifetime Achievement Award also celebrated her enduring contribution to shaping future generations of African leaders.

“The Ghana Women of the Year Honours remains a platform that not only celebrates achievements but also amplifies the stories of women who are redefining excellence across sectors,” added Glitz Africa, a leading lifestyle brand that is dedicated to celebrating African excellence. “Each honouree represents a unique journey of resilience, innovation, and leadership — collectively inspiring the next generation of women to lead, build, and transform their communities.”