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Business magnate and philanthropist Michael Danquah, widely known as Merdarlock, has been honoured as the Educational Impact Personality of the Year at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).
In accepting the award, Merdarlock reaffirmed his dedication to empowering students and young people through sustained philanthropic work.
"I’m still in the philanthropic spirit, impacting and supporting students to reach their potential goals with financial support and mentorship," he said. "Education is the most sustainable way to change lives and build our nation."
The award, which recognises individuals making significant contributions to education and youth development, highlights Danquah’s expansive outreach over the years. His initiatives have provided scholarships, learning materials, and mentorship opportunities for countless young Ghanaians, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The recognition comes on the heels of his latest humanitarian effort, the M-lock Feed the Street initiative, held on Boxing Day across Nima, Kwame Nkrumah Circle, and surrounding areas. Hundreds of underprivileged individuals received hot meals, basic supplies, and cash gifts in an outreach programme aimed at spreading festive cheer and human dignity.
The philanthropist has since announced that Feed the Street will become an annual event, with additional biannual feeding drives planned for widows and widowers throughout the country.
His commitment to ongoing acts of generosity, especially towards education and social inclusion, has earned praise from civil society organisations and community leaders.
The Educational Impact Personality of the Year award serves as both recognition and a rallying call for more stakeholders to invest in the nation’s human capital through education and social development.