MADINA, ACCRA — Teachers and footballers, farmers and fashion designers, broadcasters and police officers: Ghana's young achievers took centre stage at the 2nd edition of the Ghana Youth Empowerment Awards (GYEA) 2026, held at Raveneous Hall (The Balance Church) in Madina, Accra, where winners were crowned across more than 40 categories.

The awards were organised by Essence Digimark and co-organised by Octagram Tech, the Accra-based technology company behind the MoMoGram app. The scheme celebrates young people and youth-focused organisations making a difference in leadership, business, sport, the arts, media and public service.

This year's race began in August, when organisers unveiled around 300 nominees and opened public voting. On the awards night, winners received trophies and framed citations in recognition of their work.

Among the night's big winners were broadcaster Benedicta Afful (Mzbrown), crowned Broadcaster of the Year; Rahima Umar Ishaq, who took home Outstanding Youth Personality of the Year; and Bengazy, named Youth Artiste of the Year. Musah Sherif Bipuah stood out with a win and a runner-up finish in the health categories.

Full list of winners

Leadership, advocacy and community

Business, technology and innovation

Agriculture

Education, health and public service

  • Researcher/Academic Excellence of the Year: Hagar Owusu
  • Educational Innovator of the Year: Godwin Ayivor
  • Youth Teacher of the Year: Comfort Annan
  • Youth Nurse/Doctor of the Year: Musah Sherif Bipuah
  • Health Personality of the Year: Ransford Owiredu (runner-up: Musah Sherif Bipuah)
  • Youth Police Officer of the Year: Wajo Fuseini

Sports

Music and entertainment

  • Youth Artiste of the Year: Bengazy (runner-up: Yaw Kesse)
  • Emerging Artiste of the Year: Torkpo Godsway
  • Best Rapper of the Year: Boycott Coax
  • Dancehall/Reggae Artiste of the Year: Dhe Hero Dhon
  • DJ of the Year: DJ Koby Royce

Media and creative arts

  • Broadcaster of the Year (Radio/TV): Benedicta Afful (Mzbrown)
  • Journalist of the Year: Dompreh Henry
  • Digital Media Personality of the Year: Christian Boyefio (runner-up: Derrick Quarshie)
  • Social Media Influencer of the Year: Adiema Kaku/Sinfred Gbogboe
  • Youth Blogger/Publisher of the Year: Afriyie Kwaku Boachie (runner-up: Adiema Kaku/Sinfred Gbogboe)
  • Youth Author/Writer of the Year: Mubarik Ibrahim
  • Video Director/Producer of the Year: Cinemagic Eye Media
  • Pencil/Visual Artist of the Year: David Asare

Fashion and lifestyle

  • Youth Model of the Year: Prince Aaron Danso
  • Fashion Designer of the Year: Ibrahim Yakubu
  • Fashion Personality of the Year: Wuni Daniel Tia
  • Hairstylist/Barber of the Year: Mumford Celebrity Barber

Celebrating Ghana's future

From the pulpit to the pitch and from the farm to the studio, the GYEA 2026 winners reflect how young Ghanaians are shaping the country in every field. The organisers say the awards are meant not only to honour these achievers but to inspire more young people to lead, innovate and serve their communities.

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees.

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