Dr Emmanuella Amoako, the only paediatric oncologist at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, has been named the overall winner of the 2026 Channel One Community Legends award.

Dr Amoako was recognised for her exceptional dedication to paediatric healthcare, particularly her work caring for children battling cancer.

As the winner, she received GH¢10,000 and a bouquet of home appliances from Electroland Ghana Limited at a presentation ceremony held at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital.

Her recognition followed a national call for nominations, which attracted more than 50 nominations from individuals across the Central, Western and Western North regions.

She was subsequently shortlisted among the top 10 nominees before emerging as the overall winner after organisers, in consultation with stakeholders, selected the final three.

Speaking during the presentation at the hospital, Head of Programmes Production at Channel One TV, Apiorkor Seyiram Ashong-Abbey, said the initiative was created to shine a light on individuals whose work is making a positive difference in their communities.

“We see a lot, we experience a lot, and one of the things that we said we wanted to start doing was spotlighting what individuals are doing in their communities to make the lives of Ghanaians better,” she said.

She noted that the number and geographical spread of nominations Dr Amoako received demonstrated the far-reaching impact of her work.

“This dear doctor of yours received over 50 nominations. And it wasn’t just from the Central Region. We got nominations from the Western North Region, from the Western Region, just talking about their experiences and their encounters with her,” she added.

Amoako Community Legends Award — Dr Emmanuella Amoako

Ms Ashong-Abbey said the recognition was also intended to encourage Dr Amoako to achieve even greater milestones in her career and community service.

Chief Executive Officer of the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Dr Eric Kofi Ngyedu, commended Dr Amoako for bringing recognition to the hospital and urged her to continue inspiring other health professionals.

“I’d like to thank you very much for putting out this very important initiative. And then also for supporting our daughter, in whom we are very pleased,” he said.

Dr Ngyedu described the award as an important milestone in Dr Amoako’s career and said her achievement should inspire young professionals, particularly those interested in paediatric oncology.

“I think that this is just the beginning. We have seen a lot of prospects in her, and management and the board are very pleased and satisfied with the progress she’s making,” he said.

He added that he would encourage Dr Amoako and other professionals in the field to inspire more young people to pursue careers in paediatric oncology.

Dr Emmanuella Amoako is the first recipient of the Channel One Community Legends award, an initiative designed to spotlight and celebrate individuals whose dedication and service are making a meaningful difference in their communities.

Her story is a reminder that sometimes, the people changing lives the most are those quietly serving others every day.