The Chief Executive Officer of WillingWay Recovery and Rehabilitation Center Ghana, Lydia Abena Manu Adofo, has earned a nomination for the 2026 CNN Heroes Award, marking the second time her work in rehabilitating people battling drug addiction, alcoholism and mental health conditions has received global recognition.

Manu Adofo was nominated by Dr Kofi Newman, popularly known as Prof. Lungu, currently based in Windsor, Maryland, USA, in recognition of her commitment to restoring hope and dignity to some of society’s most vulnerable people.

The latest nomination comes eight years after her first CNN Heroes Award nomination in 2018, which was also submitted by Dr Newman. That nomination brought international attention to her efforts to transform the lives of people struggling with drug addiction, alcoholism and mental health conditions, helping many to successfully reintegrate into society.

In his latest nomination letter, Dr Newman described Manu Adofo as a compassionate leader whose work is driven by purpose rather than public acclaim.

“Her passion is not for recognition, but for restoration. She treats addiction as a disease and mental illness as a human condition, not a curse,” he wrote.

Dr Newman also called on Ghanaians, Africans, the media, public officials and members of the diaspora to support Manu Adofo’s nomination and encourage the CNN Heroes Award Committee to select her among the 10 finalists for the 2026 award.

He said the recognition would honour her contributions to humanitarian work and her efforts to create positive change across Ghana.

Manu Adofo’s nominations have been inspired by years of caring for people living with mental health conditions, drug addiction and alcoholism, including vulnerable individuals found on the streets, despite operating without government funding or external sponsorship.

As a mental health advocate and practitioner, she has built WillingWay Recovery and Rehabilitation Center around the belief that every individual deserves a second chance, regardless of their condition or background.

The rehabilitation centre currently operates two facilities to meet growing demand for its services. Its main centre is located at Asawasi in the Ejisu Municipality of the Ashanti Region, while a second facility serves clients in Koforidua in the Eastern Region.

Reacting to the nomination, Manu Adofo expressed appreciation to Dr Newman and the organisers of the CNN Heroes Awards for recognising her work.

“I am deeply grateful for this honour and sincerely thank everyone who believes in our mission. This recognition is not just for me but for every staff member, volunteer and person who has supported our work over the years,” she said.

She pledged to use the recognition as motivation to expand the centre’s impact and reach more people struggling with addiction and mental health challenges.

“This nomination encourages me to do even more. I remain committed to helping more people recover from addiction, restore their dignity and rebuild their lives. Our mission to give hope to those society has forgotten will continue,” she added.

The nomination is expected to further shine an international spotlight on the work of WillingWay Recovery and Rehabilitation Center Ghana and its efforts to provide care, rehabilitation and hope to people affected by addiction and mental health conditions.