Dr. Joyce Akumaa Dongotey Padi, affectionately known as Akumaa Mama Zimbi, a prominent figure in Ghanaian media and a champion for women’s rights, has been bestowed with the Supreme Lifetime Achievement Award in Entertainment for 2024 by the Supreme Dynamic Talent Academy Awards (SDTA Awards). This esteemed accolade recognizes her enduring contributions to the entertainment industry spanning over two decades, encompassing her work in television, radio, film, and print, as well as her tireless advocacy for social justice and women’s empowerment. The award ceremony, held at the prestigious La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, was a testament to Mama Zimbi’s impact, drawing a diverse crowd of industry professionals, dignitaries, and media representatives to celebrate her exceptional career. Her journey, beginning in the 1980s with her education at Krobo Girls’ Senior High School, followed by training at the Ghallywood Academy of Film Acting and the Ghana Institute of Journalism, highlights her dedication to honing her craft.
Mama Zimbi’s career trajectory showcases a consistent commitment to both entertainment and social impact. Her early work in the Cantata Show on Ghana Television in 1990 introduced her vibrant personality to the nation. Her transition to journalism with The Multimedia Group in 2000 marked a significant turning point, allowing her to leverage her platform to address critical social issues. As a radio personality, notably with her long-running Odo Ahomaso Show on Adom Television, she has become a trusted voice, offering guidance on relationship and marital matters, further solidifying her connection with the Ghanaian community. This consistent engagement with her audience, coupled with her advocacy work, has cemented her status as a role model for aspiring young Ghanaians.
The SDTA Awards, recognizing the profound impact of talent and creativity, selected Mama Zimbi for their highest honor, acknowledging her significant contributions to society throughout her career. The organization’s focus on celebrating excellence and dynamism in the creative arts aligns perfectly with Mama Zimbi’s multifaceted career, which extends beyond her media presence. Her establishment of the Mama Zimbi Foundation in 2007 underscores her deep-seated commitment to social change. The foundation’s work in empowering widows and underprivileged children, combined with its focus on sexual and reproductive health education and HIV awareness for adolescents, has created a tangible positive impact across Ghanaian communities.
The Mama Zimbi Foundation, through initiatives like the Widows Alliance Network (WANE) and the Adolescents Sexual Reproductive Health (ASRH) program, has provided crucial support and resources to vulnerable populations. By addressing critical societal needs and empowering individuals to take control of their lives, the foundation reflects Mama Zimbi’s unwavering dedication to uplifting those in need. This commitment to social justice and community development, running parallel to her successful media career, paints a picture of a woman driven by a profound desire to make a difference.
Upon receiving the Supreme Lifetime Achievement Award, Mama Zimbi’s acceptance speech resonated deeply with the audience. Expressing her gratitude while acknowledging the hard work that led to this recognition, she viewed the award not as a culmination but as a call to further action. Her humility and commitment to continuing her work, fueled by the support of her “daughters and sisters,” garnered a standing ovation, reflecting the profound respect and admiration she commands. The chairperson of the SDTA Awards, Amb. Zino Lexili Ogazi, further emphasized Mama Zimbi’s impact, praising her dedication and the inspiration she provides to many.
Akumaa Mama Zimbi’s legacy extends beyond entertainment; it is a testament to the power of using one’s platform to effect positive change. Her tireless advocacy for women’s rights, her dedication to empowering marginalized communities, and her unwavering commitment to her craft have solidified her position as a true icon in the Ghanaian entertainment industry and a beacon of hope for future generations. Her story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the potential of blending a successful career with a passionate pursuit of social justice, creating a lasting impact on society.
