President John Dramani Mahama has been honoured with the African Statesmanship & Democratic Renewal Award at the inaugural HRRG Global RightsCon Awards for his contribution to democratic governance, inclusive development, regional cooperation and public service in Africa.
The award was presented by Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) in collaboration with its global partners and stakeholders during the official launch and maiden presentation of the HRRG Global RightsCon Awards held on July 14, 2026, at the Abuja Continental Hotel in Abuja, Nigeria.
The ceremony formed part of the 3rd Africa High-Level Civil Society Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Conference 2026, which brought together government officials, civil society organisations and development stakeholders from across the continent.
According to HRRG, President Mahama was selected for the honour because of his commitment to strengthening democracy, promoting civic participation, supporting peaceful democratic transitions and advancing regional cooperation and sustainable development.
Speaking during the presentation, Founder and Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana, Dr Joseph Kobla Wemakor, said the award recognises leaders and institutions whose work continues to strengthen democracy, promote human rights and inspire positive change.
“President John Dramani Mahama has demonstrated the qualities of democratic leadership, inclusive governance and regional solidarity. Through this honour, we recognise his service to Ghana and his contribution to promoting democratic values across Africa,” Dr Wemakor stated.
President Mahama could not personally attend the ceremony because of official engagements. His award was received on his behalf by Mrs. Jennifer Y. Annor-Tettey, Counsellor/Consular Affairs at the Ghana High Commission in Nigeria.
Mrs. Annor-Tettey also received the African Diplomacy & Global Solidarity Award for Sustainable Development on behalf of Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
Another award recipient, renowned Kenyan legal scholar and Pan-Africanist Professor Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba (PLO Lumumba), was represented by Ambassador Aliyu Suleiman of the Nigeria Chapter of the PLO Lumumba Foundation, who received the Pan-African Legal Thought & Moral Leadership Award on his behalf.
The ceremony also recognised Ms. Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, Executive Director of Spaces for Change, West Africa, who personally received the Civic Space & Social Justice Advocacy Award for her work in promoting civic space, social justice and inclusive democratic participation.
Recipients and designated representatives were presented with customised award plaques, Citations of Honour and official award booklets highlighting their achievements.
The inaugural event recognised awardees under three of the seven categories introduced by HRRG, namely the Special Pan-African Leadership Award, Sanitation & Sustainable Cities Leadership Award, and Civic Space & Social Justice Advocacy Award.
Other personalities honoured included President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, recipient of the African Democratic Leadership & Regional Integration Award; Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, recipient of the African Diplomacy & Global Solidarity Award for Sustainable Development; and Professor Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, recipient of the Pan-African Legal Thought & Moral Leadership Award.
Other award recipients were Access Now and the RightsCon Global Team, Ing. Dr George Asiedu, Hon. Alfredos Nii Anyetei, Joshua Elikplim Adjei, and Eminence Lead International, who were recognised under the various award categories for their contributions to digital rights, sustainable development, local governance, youth advocacy and leadership development.
HRRG explained that the Global RightsCon Awards were originally planned to be presented during the RightsCon 2026 Summit in Lusaka, Zambia. However, following the cancellation of the summit, the organisation resolved to proceed with the awards ceremony in Abuja to ensure that the inaugural recipients received international recognition for their contributions.
The organisation said it remains committed to making the HRRG Global RightsCon Awards an annual global recognition platform that celebrates outstanding leadership, protects human rights, strengthens democratic governance and promotes sustainable development across Africa and beyond.
