The Chief Executive Officer of the Zongo Development Fund (ZoDF), Dr. Arafat Suleiman Abdulai Yorda, has been named among the 100 Most Influential People in Ghana for 2023 at a ceremony in Accra on December 16th.
The prestigious honour recognises Dr. Yorda’s outstanding leadership and immense impact on education and development in Zongo communities across the country.
Dr. Yorda received the award at the Most Influential People Awards (MIPA) ceremony held at the Marriott Hotel following his “exceptional vision, organisational innovation, expertise, and commitment to youth development and mentorship.
The group noted the transformative, dedicated, and exemplary performance of the CEO of the ZoDF in the discharge of his onerous duties.
In particular, the provision of educational infrastructure, sanitation and water systems, and community sports and social centres (CSSCs), in addition to financial assistance, among others, to indigent Zongo students pursuing tertiary education, makes it incumbent to commend Dr. Abdulai and the Zongo Development Fund.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Yorda thanked the awards committee and dedicated the honour to the vibrant youth of Zongo communities.
“Our young people’s energy and optimism inspire me daily,” he said. “This award is for their future,” he said.
The glitzy ceremony was attended by award recipients, public officials, business leaders, social influencers, and diplomats.
The theme was “Collective Collaboration in Transforming Ghana’s Economy for a Better Future.”
The awardees were chosen through a multi-stage selection process that involved nominations, extensive research, and ultimately approval by the Awards Selection Jury.
Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, CEO, National Petroleum Authority; HE John Dramani Mahama, Fmr. President of Ghana; Mr. Hackman Owusu Agyeman, Fmr. Minister of Foreign Affairs; Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament; Ing. Clifford Braimah, CEO, GWC Ltd; Mr. Yoofi Grant, CEO, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre; and Hajiya Abibata Shanni Zakaria, CEO of MASLOC, were some of the personalities selected for the 100 Most Influential Personalities Awards 2023, alongside the Chief Executive Officer of the Zongo Development Fund.
Dr. Yorda’s recognition as one of Ghana’s elite influencers is a proud moment for both the Zongo Development Fund and the wider Bissa community.
The annual awards recognise the top 100 Ghanaian entrepreneurs and accomplished CEOs from various sectors with exemplary achievements, significant impacts through their work, and contributions to the country’s development.
It also aims to highlight individuals whose personal and professional accomplishments, combined with their respective positions of authority, have enabled them to positively influence Ghana’s socio-economic, political, and cultural fortunes.