The telecommunications giant, MTN Ghana, has issued a comprehensive rejoinder addressing the recent withdrawal of digital media advocate, Kobby Kyei, from the ongoing MTN Heroes of Change Season 7 Awards. The statement seeks to clarify the circumstances surrounding Kyei’s exit from the prestigious competition, particularly from the Digital Heroes category, highlighting the core reasons for the disagreement and reaffirming the integrity and fairness of the awards process.
Kyei’s withdrawal stems from a disagreement concerning the voting modalities of the awards. MTN maintains that all contestants are made aware of the established rules from the outset of the competition, ensuring a level playing field for all participants. The judging process, as explained by MTN, involves a balanced system comprising fifty percent public voting and fifty percent evaluation by an independent jury. This dual approach aims to recognize both popular appeal and impactful contributions as assessed by impartial experts in the respective fields.
The crux of the disagreement arose from the platform designated for public voting in the Digital Heroes category. MTN clarified that from the beginning, all participants were informed that public voting for this category would be conducted exclusively on Facebook. However, midway through the competition, Kyei requested a change in the voting platforms, a request that MTN ultimately declined. The organizers emphasize that acceding to such a mid-competition request could have compromised the fairness of the process and potentially disadvantaged other participants who had adhered to the original guidelines. Altering the rules mid-stream could cast doubt on the integrity of the entire awards process, hence MTN’s decision to uphold the pre-established voting mechanism.
While MTN regrets Kyei’s decision to withdraw, the company acknowledges and commends his significant contributions to youth empowerment and digital advocacy in Ghana. The statement expresses well-wishes for Kyei’s continued endeavors in these critical areas, recognizing the importance of his work in shaping a positive future for young Ghanaians. MTN reiterates its commitment to supporting impactful initiatives that uplift communities and individuals across the country.
MTN further emphasizes its dedication to transparency and fairness in the Heroes of Change Awards, assuring the public and all remaining participants that the platform remains steadfast in its mission to celebrate individuals making substantial contributions to their communities. Despite this unforeseen circumstance, the competition continues to shine a light on the transformative work being done across Ghana, showcasing inspiring individuals who dedicate their efforts to creating positive change.
The MTN Heroes of Change Awards, now in its seventh season, remains a prominent initiative aimed at recognizing and celebrating individuals who are making a difference in Ghana. The awards process, encompassing both public voting and independent jury assessments, is designed to ensure a balanced and comprehensive evaluation of each nominee’s contributions. The competition continues to serve as a platform for showcasing impactful work across various categories, inspiring others to contribute to the betterment of their communities and the nation as a whole. MTN remains committed to upholding the integrity of the awards process and ensuring a fair and transparent competition for all participants.
