The Judges in the MTN Heroes of Change Season 5 have pruned down the 1,200 projects to 30.

A statement issued in Accra by Mr Samuel Koranteng, Corporate Services Executive, MTN Ghana Foundation, said following this, a team was dispatched into the communities to authenticate and verify the stories of the people and their projects.

It said following the verifications process, a report would be presented for further review of the projects and the top 10 selected by an independent panel of judges, who have diverse experience and expertise in academia, communications and economics.

It said the top 10 projects would be filmed and featured in a 13-week television series, which seeks to highlight the activities of the heroes to the public.

"At the end of the television programme, an event will be held to announce the ultimate hero and category winners. The ultimate winner will be presented with a cash prize of GH¢100, 000 whilst the three category winners will be awarded GH¢30,000 each to be invested in their projects for wider impact,” he added.

The statement said MTN Ghana Foundation would also present Special Awards to selected media personnel and young heroes, who were also driving change in their respective areas.

Mr Koranteng commenting on the entries said: “We are happy to be getting closer to selecting the finalists for the TV series. We look forward to showcasing the work of unsung heroes who have dedicated their lives and resources to the service of their communities.”

MTN Heroes of Change Season 5 was launched in November 2018 and submission of entries ended on 25th January 2019.

Since the inception of MTN Heroes of Change in July 2013, a total of 40 people have been identified and recognized on MTN Heroes of Change platform for committing their personal resources to improve their communities and brightening lives.

MTN Heroes of Change has won several awards, which include the 2016 IPR Best Community Relations Programme of the Year and the CSR Programme of the Year 2015 by the Head of State Awards (HoSA) Scheme.