Ghana’s Angel-Zoe Foundation
Commonwealth Point of Light 62. Abena Asomaning
Abena Asomaning, representing Ghana, is the founder of the ‘Angel-Zoe Foundation’, providing a range of innovative rehabilitation services for offenders.
Abena, nicknamed ‘Angel’ by those she supports, has developed a comprehensive set of programmes to support offenders during their prison term and in their lives beyond. This includes a project supporting offenders to maintain contact with their families, a social enterprise creating fabrics to give offenders a vocation in prison and a large-scale commercial farm which gives employment opportunities on release.
Abena was presented with her award at the British High Commission in Accra by Iain Walker, UK High Commissioner in Ghana (pictured below).
Abena said:
“It’s a great honour to receive the Point of Light Recognition for my humanitarian work for women and juveniles in prisons in Ghana through the Angel-Zoe Foundation. The paradox of my work’s journey is that, I set out to help other people without thought for any public acknowledgement but my modest efforts seem to have gone beyond the private. My intention had been to give a voice to the many voiceless people behind bars who had same rights as the rest of us unrestrained human beings, for them to attain the highest potential of themselves. There are many more lives to touch and our government cannot do it all, citizens must get involved. I am grateful to God for this vision and also, to the British government for this recognition.”
Iain Walker, UK High Commissioner in Ghana, said:
“Her Majesty the Queen was delighted to recognise Abena’s contribution and commitment to improving the lives of women and children. It was my pleasure to present this award to her. The world is full of people who can commentate and criticise, but needs more people like Abena: she is making change happen with her own selfless efforts. We have been delighted to work with Abena over the last number of years and we look forward to doing more together in the future. This recognition is timely and the award is very well deserved.”