In Ghana, where the population approaches 33 million, approximately 8% of individuals are Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Unfortunately, over the years, PWDs in Ghana have endured ridicule, stigmatization and discrimination with offensive labels being assigned based on the nature of their disabilities. The challenges they face are multifaceted. Apart from the stigmatization, persons with disability have accessibility limitations coupled with a host of socio-economic setbacks.
All these issues have plagued persons with disabilities in Ghana until over a decade ago, when a transformative figure, Bishop Charles Hackman, the C.E.O of the H4P (Here for Perfection) Organization, an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations, decided to make disability issues in Ghana his prime concern.
The H4P Organization has for over twelve years embarked on several life-transforming projects and initiatives. These include the Helping Hand TV Show an educative and reliable media advocacy for persons with disabilities, the Helping Hand Community Project which offers support services, H4P – Ability Praise Concert (APC); a platform for the promotion of abilities of persons with disabilities in the area of creative arts and entertainment, C.H.I.L. AWARDS- Christina Hackman Impact Leadership Awards; an award scheme instituted to honour and acknowledge people who contribute significantly towards the development of the disability community, the adoption and refurbishment of female hospital wards (Christina Hackman Wards), H4P – Christmas Parties for Special Children and Families, H4P – Public Education Programmes, H4P – National Inter-Schools Disability Fun Games, H4P Celebration of Love projects etc.
Through these activities and many more, the H4P organization, spearheaded by Bishop Dr. Charles Cofie Hackman, has successfully given a voice to individuals with disabilities and their issues are now of national concern. Bishop Hackman’s commitment has transcended the borders of Ghana, as he continues to make a significant impact in the lives of people with disabilities in Africa and around the world.
It therefore came as no surprise when on 27th October 2023, at Global Well Respected CEOs Awards and Conference in Singapore, Bishop Dr. Charles Hackman was honoured with two awards – Home Care Products Manufacturing, as well as the distinguished award for his exceptional contributions to disability advocacy. The awards scheme is organized with the theme, “Promoting Global Corporate Competitiveness for Attaining the SDGS” to identify and publicly recognise the corporate /institutional CEOs from all around the world. As the recipient of the esteemed Global Well Respected CEO Award in Disability Advocacy and the Global well respected CEO award in Home Care Products Manufacturing, he was the sole recipient of two awards at the event. In his acceptance speech, he called for the need for peace especially in the Middle East.
DV unlimited, under the leadership of Bishop Dr. Charles Hackman as its CEO, is a home care company in Ghana that manufactures and markets personal care and home care products with the brand name DV Kliners. The distinguishing feature of the company, all generated proceeds are dedicated to supporting the activities of the H4P organization. Thus emphasizing DV Unlimited’s impact in the realms of philanthropy.
It is very evident that Bishop Dr. Charles Hackman consistently demonstrates an unwavering commitment to ensuring the happiness of others. He is a man who embodies qualities deserving of emulation.