In an age where technology dominates every facet of life, one man’s relentless mission to make the internet a safer place for Ghanaians — especially children and young adults — has earned him a rare and well-deserved national recognition.
Mr. Emmanuel Edem Kwamla Adinkrah, President of the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation (GISF), Founder of the Trust and Safety Africa Academy, and a member of the Trust and Safety Professional Association (TSPA), has been honoured at the 4th Ghana Philanthropy Awards for his Distinguished Leadership in Digital Inclusion and Online Safety.
Held at the prestigious La Palm Royal Beach Hotel on Thursday, 30th October 2025, the colourful event celebrated over 30 outstanding Ghanaian philanthropists and social impact leaders whose tireless work is transforming lives and reshaping communities.
Yet, amid the glamour and applause, Mr. Adinkrah’s story stood out — a narrative of vision, perseverance, and an unyielding commitment to digital safety advocacy in Ghana.
From humble beginnings, Emmanuel Adinkrah has evolved into one of Ghana’s foremost champions for responsible digital citizenship.
Long before cyberbullying, online fraud, and child exploitation became national concerns, he was already spearheading conversations around these pressing issues.
His foresight and early interventions have not only educated thousands but have also inspired policy advocacy around internet safety frameworks in the country.
The Ghana Internet Safety Foundation (GISF), which he founded, has grown into a respected institution working across communities, schools, and organizations to create awareness about the responsible use of digital platforms.
Through workshops, school outreach programs, and media advocacy, GISF continues to empower children, parents, teachers, and youth leaders to recognize and respond effectively to online threats.
At the core of GISF’s mission is the belief that digital inclusion must go hand-in-hand with digital safety.
As Ghana rapidly embraces digitalization — from e-learning and fintech to social media engagement — the foundation has been at the forefront of ensuring that citizens are not left vulnerable to cybercrimes and online exploitation.
Mr. Adinkrah’s leadership style blends compassion with innovation. His philanthropic drive is rooted in a deep understanding of the social impact of technology, especially among the younger generation.
Under his guidance, GISF has collaborated with local and international partners, including educational institutions, law enforcement agencies, and civil society groups, to strengthen Ghana’s online safety ecosystem.
In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Adinkrah expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, dedicating the award to Ghana Internet Safety Foundation, its sponsors, partners, stakeholders and the young Ghanaian striving to navigate the digital world safely.
“This recognition is not just a personal milestone, but a testament to the collective efforts of all those who share in the vision of a safer, more inclusive digital Ghana.
I am deeply thankful to the organisers of the Ghana Philanthropy Awards for this acknowledgement and for highlighting the importance of online safety and digital inclusion in our national development journey.
I dedicate this award to the hardworking team at the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation (GISF), whose passion and commitment continue to inspire me daily.
Together, we have built platforms, initiated programs, and engaged communities with the singular goal of empowering Ghanaians—especially the youth—to navigate the digital world safely and confidently.
….This recognition affirms that our work is making a meaningful impact, and it motivates us to continue pushing boundaries for a safer digital future.
To our partners, sponsors, and volunteers who have stood with us through every project, campaign, and outreach initiative—this achievement belongs to you as much as it does to me.
Your trust and collaboration have been the foundation of every success story we’ve written in the digital safety space.
Finally, I extend heartfelt appreciation to my family, mentors, and supporters who have encouraged me to pursue this purpose-driven path.
This award is a call to action—to do even more, reach even farther, and ensure that every Ghanaian, regardless of age or background, can participate in the digital age securely and confidently.
Thank you for believing in this mission.”
The award citation beautifully captured his impact:
“Distinguished Leadership in Digital Inclusion & Online Safety – in recognition of Mr. Emmanuel Edem Kwamla Adinkrah’s unwavering dedication to advancing online safety awareness, protecting digital rights, and promoting inclusive access to technology for all.”
The Ghana Philanthropy Awards continue to serve as a national platform for honouring individuals and organisations whose acts of generosity and social innovation are shaping the country’s development narrative.
Originating from the vision of passionate individuals committed to uplifting their communities, the awards have evolved into one of Ghana’s most respected recognitions of humanitarian service.
Beyond the glitz of the award night, what truly defines Emmanuel Adinkrah’s legacy is his sustained, grassroots-level engagement.
Through initiatives like Safer Internet Week Ghana, Digital Parenting Clinics, and Online Behaviour Education, his foundation has reached countless students and parents across urban and rural Ghana.
Each program reinforces the foundation’s message — that safety, empathy, and awareness must define the digital experience.
Perhaps what makes Mr. Adinkrah’s story even more compelling is how he merges technology with empathy.
His work is not limited to cybersecurity talks; it extends into real community development — providing digital literacy training, supporting educational projects, and empowering underprivileged youth with tech skills that prepare them for the future.
Under his stewardship, GISF has become a model for how local NGOs can tackle global issues with local insight.
The foundation has participated in regional internet safety collaborations, contributed to policy dialogues, and consistently raised Ghana’s profile in the global online safety conversation.
Colleagues and peers describe him as “a man ahead of his time” — a visionary who saw that the internet’s promise could only be realized if its dangers were equally understood and managed.
Indeed, his work has not only saved lives but has also built trust in the digital transformation process that Ghana is currently pursuing.
As the applause fades and the cameras stop flashing, Emmanuel Adinkrah’s mission continues — tirelessly and passionately.
For him, this award is not an endpoint, but rather a renewed call to action to ensure that every Ghanaian, regardless of age or location, can benefit safely from the power of the internet.
In the grand tapestry of Ghana’s philanthropic heroes, Emmanuel Adinkrah’s name now shines brightly — a digital guardian, a mentor, and a changemaker whose compassion meets innovation.
His journey is a reminder that true leadership is not found in titles or trophies, but in the lasting change one creates in people’s lives.
Through his life’s work and the enduring impact of the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation, Mr. Adinkrah has proven that philanthropy is not just about giving — it’s about building safer futures, one click at a time.
