During the past 12 months, YAFO Institute has driven good initiatives and impact in promoting free market and civil liberty ideals. From policy dialogues to the monthly liberty guardian newsletter to the liberty Sphere 2025, we can say that the institute has been very active throughout the year. Behind these impacts and works are individuals, organizations and donors who have relentlessly contributed in making these impacts visible. They are considered as heroes of liberty. In this regard, the YAFO Institute hosted the Heroes of Liberty Dinner and Awards 2025.
The Heroes of Liberty Dinner and Awards 2025 was held at Charleston Hotel, Tesano-Accra on the 26th of December 2025 which brought together Liberty enthusiasts, policymakers, media professionals and various individuals to celebrate our wonderful heroes who have championed the mission of promoting the ideals of civil liberty and free market in various ways. It is held annually and this is the second edition.
Proceeding to main purpose of the event, many individuals were awarded from various categories. They include the list below;
Best Staff of the year – Richard Nyarko
Best Team of the Year – Marketing and Communications Team
Best Volunteer of the Year- Charles Hodinya
Outstanding Policy Scholar of the Year- Nii Lamptey Klokpah
Outstanding MarCom Team Member of the Year- Hillary Esa Agbanaglo
Outstanding Fundraising Team Member of the Year – Winifred Naasag Mwinviel
Best Women’s Right Advocate – Ladies Network for Economic Freedom
These among others were the various awards given to our outstanding heroes.
Mr. Nathaniel Dwamena, President of the YAFO Institute shared the humble beginnings of the institute, its mission and vision. He spoke about the disparity and disconnection between supposed leadership and followership, which looks more like a battle for survival for the less privileged.
He also used the occasion to call on Ghanaians to support think tank organizations, noting that their research and policy advocacy play a vital role in national development.
He further touched on the Virtual Asset Bill where he spoke about how the initiative forms part of a broader ECOWAS regional effort to regulate virtual assets. However, he stressed on the need for broader stakeholder consultations before the Bank of Ghana finalizes the bill.
Mr. Nathaniel Dwamena in further explaining the bill, acknowledged that the bill has good intentions in combating money laundering but warned that its current approach may cause difficulties, noting that cryptocurrency transactions are largely transparent and traceable in real time. He urged regulators to see crypto as an innovation rather than mainly a tool for crime, and advised the public to trade cautiously by using trusted platforms, avoiding third parties, and relying on smart contracts to enhance security.
Mr. Charles Fiifi Hagan, Founder of Chayil SecureX and member of the winning team of the Liberty Sphere Battle Grounds Policy Pitch, Jonathan Gullible, shared how he and his team have gotten much more opportunities to execute their policy after winning the pitch.
A panel discussion on promoting economic freedom in Ghana was held, moderated by Madam Angela Okai Nartey, Founder of the Ladies Network for Economic Freedom (LANEF). The session featured two policy scholars from the YAFO Institute, Miss Benedicta Nelmon and Mr. Nii Lamptey Klopah. The discussion examined the concept of economic freedom, assessed Ghana’s progress in advancing it, and highlighted the critical role of youth and women in promoting economic freedom across the country.
The event closed with renewed calls for innovation-friendly policies and deeper collaboration to better position Ghana for sustained economic and technological advancement.
