Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) has celebrated the distinguished individuals and institutions honoured during the inaugural edition of its flagship international awards programme, which has now been officially rebranded as the HRRG Global RightsShield Awards.
The inaugural edition, originally launched as the HRRG Global RightsCon Awards, marked a major milestone in HRRG’s efforts to recognise exceptional leadership, integrity, innovation, and dedicated service to humanity across Africa and beyond.
The awards honoured leaders and organisations whose contributions have strengthened democratic governance, human rights, diplomacy, civic participation, digital rights, sustainable development, public service, and community transformation.
According to HRRG, the transition to the HRRG Global RightsShield Awards reflects the organisation’s long-term vision of establishing a distinctive and independent global awards platform while preserving the credibility, legacy, and recognition associated with its inaugural edition.
HRRG emphasised that the rebranding does not affect the validity or status of any awards previously conferred.
Inaugural Honourees
Under the Special Pan-African Leadership category, President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana received the African Statesmanship & Democratic Renewal Award for his commitment to democratic governance, ethical leadership, regional cooperation, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria was honoured with the African Democratic Leadership & Regional Integration Award for his leadership in promoting democratic governance, regional integration, economic development, and Africa’s global engagement.
Renowned Kenyan legal scholar and Pan-Africanist Professor Patrick Loch Otieno (PLO) Lumumba received the Pan-African Legal Thought & Moral Leadership Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to constitutionalism, justice, ethical governance, and Pan-African unity.
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, was presented with the African Diplomacy & Global Solidarity Award for Sustainable Development for his leadership in diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, human rights-centred foreign policy, and sustainable development.
In the Sanitation & Sustainable Cities Leadership category, Ing. Dr. George Asiedu, Coordinator of the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area Sanitation and Water Project (GAMA SWP), received recognition for his leadership in urban sanitation, public health, water accessibility, and sustainable city development.
The Civic Space & Social Justice Advocacy Award went to Ms. Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, Executive Director of Spaces for Change, West Africa, for her contributions to protecting civic space, promoting social justice, gender equality, and disability inclusion across Africa.
The RightsCon Global Convening & Movement-Building Excellence Award was presented to Access Now and the RightsCon Global Team in recognition of their leadership in advancing digital rights, internet freedom, technology accountability, and the protection of human rights in the digital environment.
HRRG noted that this recognition formed part of the inaugural awards programme and reaffirmed that the awards remain an independent initiative founded and organised solely by Human Rights Reporters Ghana.
The Civil Society Excellence & Inclusive Development Impact Award was conferred on Eminence Lead International LBG for its work in promoting women’s economic empowerment, quality education, sustainable agriculture, gender equality, and inclusive community development.
In the Emerging Human Rights Leadership & Youth Advocacy category, Joshua Elikplim Adjei, Programme Officer of Human Rights Reporters Ghana, received recognition for his contributions to youth leadership, civic engagement, and human rights advocacy.
The Local Governance & Community Transformation Excellence Award was presented to Hon. Alfredos Nii Anyetei, Municipal Chief Executive of the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA), for his leadership in local governance, inclusive development, and sustainable community transformation.
Looking Ahead
HRRG says the inaugural honourees represent the foundation of what is expected to become one of Africa’s leading international recognition platforms dedicated to celebrating leadership, integrity, innovation, and service.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the reach of the HRRG Global RightsShield Awards and recognising more individuals and institutions whose work advances human rights, democratic governance, peace, sustainable development, and social justice across the continent and beyond.
While the awards programme now bears a new name, HRRG stressed that the inaugural recipients will always remain an integral part of its history, with their honours continuing to stand as originally conferred.
Recognising Impact. Celebrating Leadership. Advancing Human Dignity.
Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG)
