UniMAC Communication student and student leader, Hafiz Larry Alhassan, has been nominated for Best Student in Community Development at the Ghana Tertiary Awards ’26, in recognition of his involvement in student leadership, community engagement and initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for students.
Hafiz Larry Alhassan, affectionately known as Honourable among his colleagues, has earned a nomination in the Best Student in Community Development category of the Ghana Tertiary Awards ’26.
The nomination, under Category Code GTA41, marks an important milestone in his journey as a student, media practitioner and emerging community development advocate at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC).
Alhassan is also known for using media as a tool to inspire positive change, particularly within Zongo and Muslim communities across Ghana and the West Africa subregion. Through communication, storytelling and community engagement, he seeks to amplify important issues, inspire young people and encourage conversations that contribute to social development.
For Alhassan, the recognition represents more than an award nomination. It serves as encouragement to deepen his commitment to service, meaningful engagement and initiatives that create opportunities for others.
Speaking in an interview, Alhassan described the nomination as an inspiration to continue contributing to the development of his community and the university.
“This is an inspiration to do more. I am an industry person, and when I decided to get back to school, I didn’t just want to pass through. I wanted to contribute and leave a lasting legacy.
“Whoever nominated me, I am grateful. This is just the beginning. We have a lot to offer, in shaa Allah.”
From Industry Experience to Student Leadership
Alhassan’s return to academia was informed by a desire to combine his professional experience with academic development and practical contributions to the university community.
As a Communication student at UniMAC, he has been involved in several student-focused initiatives, particularly in student welfare, communication, representation, community engagement and youth empowerment.
His contributions include serving as the Public Relations Officer of the UniMAC SRC Agyenkwa Endowment Fund, an initiative established to provide financial support to students facing difficulties and promote a culture of collective responsibility towards student welfare.
He also founded UniMAC Eye, a student-led media platform established to amplify student voices, spotlight campus developments and provide a platform for relevant conversations within the university community.
Beyond these initiatives, Alhassan has been actively involved in efforts to connect students to opportunities that support their academic, professional and personal development. These include facilitating access to information on internships, scholarships, academic support initiatives and personal empowerment projects, among other opportunities.
His approach reflects a broader understanding of community development one that goes beyond financial assistance to include access to information, opportunities, platforms and experiences that enable individuals to grow and contribute meaningfully to society.
Using Media to Inspire Positive Change
Beyond the university environment, Alhassan recognises the role of media in shaping perspectives, amplifying underrepresented voices and driving positive social change.
He is particularly interested in using media to engage Zongo and Muslim communities across Ghana, bringing attention to issues that affect these communities while encouraging constructive conversations around education, youth development, social responsibility and community progress.
His interest in media-led community engagement reflects his belief that communication should go beyond information sharing to become a tool for education, empowerment and social transformation.
Through this approach, he continues to explore ways of connecting media practice with community development and creating platforms through which people, particularly young people, can be informed, inspired and empowered.
A Commitment to Creating Opportunities
For Alhassan, student leadership is not simply about occupying positions but identifying needs, connecting people to opportunities and contributing to practical solutions.
His initiatives and engagements are informed by the belief that the university experience should extend beyond lectures and examinations. Students should also have access to opportunities that prepare them for the world of work, encourage entrepreneurship, strengthen their personal development and equip them to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
This philosophy continues to shape his involvement in student-focused projects and his broader interest in community development.
A Recognition That Inspires Greater Commitment
While acknowledging the nomination, Alhassan expressed gratitude to the individual or individuals responsible for putting his name forward.
He also recognised the importance of the people and experiences that have shaped his journey, describing the nomination as motivation to continue learning, contributing and building on the work already undertaken.
For him, the recognition is not an endpoint but an opportunity to reflect on the responsibility that comes with leadership and the need to remain committed to meaningful impact.
His emphasis on leaving a lasting legacy underscores a desire to ensure that his time at UniMAC translates into experiences, initiatives and contributions that others can benefit from.
Ghana Tertiary Awards ’26: The Road to November 21
The Ghana Tertiary Awards celebrates students and personalities within Ghana’s tertiary education space across various categories.
Alhassan’s nomination places him among the nominees in the Best Student in Community Development category.
The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on 21 November 2026 at the National Theatre of Ghana, where nominees and stakeholders within the tertiary education community and beyond are expected to gather to celebrate student achievement and impact.
The Journey Continues
For Alhassan, the nomination represents encouragement to continue pursuing his vision of combining professional experience, academic development, media and community service.
His message remains one of gratitude, determination and commitment to doing more.
As he looks ahead, he hopes to build on the experiences gained through student leadership and community engagement, while continuing to identify opportunities to contribute to the development of others.
With the nomination serving as a source of motivation, Alhassan believes there is still much to accomplish.
“This is just the beginning. We have a lot to offer, in shaa Allah.”
