The evening of December 9, 2022, will remain a memorable one in the digital community of Ghana as the Internet Society Ghana Chapter hosted its prestigious Dinner and Awards Night in Accra. The event brought together Internet stakeholders, volunteers, tech enthusiasts, and policy advocates to celebrate a year of remarkable achievements and honour individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Internet development in Ghana.
One of the night’s most inspiring moments was the recognition of Abraham Selby as the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year. This award was presented in acknowledgment of his unwavering dedication to supporting and protecting the Internet through policy advocacy, community engagement, and leadership within the Internet Society (ISOC) Ghana Chapter and beyond.
A Legacy of Dedication and Leadership
Abraham Selby’s journey with the Internet Society is marked by tireless service and impactful leadership. Serving in various capacities, including Vice Chair and Chairman of the Programs and Communications Committee, Abraham demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the vision of an open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy Internet for everyone.
His leadership brought life to several initiatives and events that advanced Internet policy discussions and technological awareness among youth, professionals, and grassroots communities in Ghana. His ability to work collaboratively with other volunteers showcased not only his technical competence but also his passion for community-building and inclusive participation.
Driving Innovation Through Projects and Engagements
Abraham’s contributions went beyond leadership roles. He played a pivotal role in several ISOC-supported initiatives, including hackathon projects, grants programs, and collaborative events such as the Ghana DNS Forum, ICANN Africa Engagement Forum, and other regional and global engagements. These programs served as platforms to encourage innovation, local content development, and capacity building among young professionals and digital policy advocates in Ghana and Africa at large.
His involvement also strengthened the ISOC Ghana Chapter’s presence in the global Internet Governance ecosystem, ensuring that voices from Ghana were well represented in international policy conversations.
Mentorship and Capacity Building
A core aspect of Abraham’s work is his commitment to mentoring newcomers and recent graduates joining the Internet Society. Understanding that the sustainability of digital development depends on nurturing the next generation, Abraham has guided many young individuals in exploring opportunities in Internet governance, cybersecurity, and digital rights advocacy.
His mentorship has created a ripple effect, with several mentees now actively involved in national and regional Internet Governance initiatives, contributing their skills and perspectives to shape the future of the Internet in Africa.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
The Outstanding Volunteer of the Year award is a testament to Abraham Selby’s global expertise in technology and policy development, as well as his unmatched devotion to the mission of the Internet Society. It reflects not only his individual accomplishments but also the collective spirit of collaboration and service that defines the ISOC community.
As Ghana continues to navigate the evolving digital landscape, the work of volunteers like Abraham serves as a beacon of what is possible when passion meets purpose. His story is a reminder that real change begins at the community level and with leaders who are willing to give their time, energy, and skills for the greater good.
Looking Ahead
As the Internet Society Ghana Chapter continues its work into the future, the contributions of individuals like Abraham Selby offer both inspiration and a blueprint for engagement. Whether through advocacy, innovation, or mentorship, there is always room for more hands and hearts to join the movement toward a better Internet.
Congratulations to Abraham Selby your award is not just a recognition, but a celebration of service, excellence, and enduring impact.