Why President Mahama received African Statesmanship Award — HRRG Executive Director explains

The Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), Dr Joseph Kobla Wemakor, has explained why His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama was selected to receive the African Statesmanship & Democratic Renewal Award under the organisation’s newly launched HRRG Global RightsShield Awards.

Speaking on Africa in Perspective, a programme on Radio Now 95.3 FM in Lagos, Nigeria, Dr Wemakor said the award recognises President Mahama’s contributions to democratic governance, peaceful democratic transitions, inclusive leadership, regional cooperation and public service.

The interview, hosted by a renowned broadcaster Abiodun Adelowore, followed the presentation of the award during the 3rd Africa High-Level Civil Society Conference on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), held in Abuja, Nigeria, on July 14, 2026.

According to Dr Wemakor, the African Statesmanship & Democratic Renewal Award forms part of the HRRG Global RightsShield Awards, an international honours initiative established to recognise individuals and institutions making significant contributions to human rights, democracy, digital rights, civic participation, accountability and sustainable development.

“These are not political awards,” he emphasised. “They are independent recognitions grounded in leadership, measurable impact, public service, democratic values and commitment to humanity.”

He explained that President Mahama’s recognition reflects achievements that align with the objectives of the award category, noting that statesmanship is demonstrated through integrity, visionary leadership, institution-building and service to society.

Dr Wemakor added that democratic renewal involves strengthening democratic institutions, promoting accountability, rebuilding public trust, encouraging peaceful governance and expanding citizen participation.

“Awards do more than celebrate individuals. They inspire others to lead responsibly, encourage integrity in public service and demonstrate that positive leadership deserves recognition,” he stated.

He disclosed that the awards were originally scheduled to be launched alongside HRRG’s high-level dialogue at the RightsCon 2026 Summit in Lusaka, Zambia. However, after the summit was cancelled, HRRG’s Board and Awards Committee decided to proceed with honouring recipients who had already been selected.

The awards were subsequently unveiled during the continental AML/CFT Conference in Abuja under the theme, “Championing Human Rights and Democratic Renewal.”

Dr Wemakor also highlighted HRRG’s work in advancing human rights, democratic accountability and civic participation across Africa.

He noted that the organisation among other recognitions, received the prestigious 5th UN Global Entreps Award for Best International Practice on Sustainability representing Ghana and West Africa on the global stage through its Kidnapping, Teenage Pregnancy and Tramadol (KTT) Project, which has impacted more than 60,000 beneficiaries.

He further indicated that HRRG supports more than 500 civil society organisations through the Youth Sub-Platform of the Ghana Civil Society Organisations Platform on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The inaugural HRRG Global RightsShield Awards recognised outstanding leaders and institutions from government, civil society, academia, youth leadership and international development.

Among the recipients were Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Prof. Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri of Spaces for Change, Ing. Dr George Asiedu, Joshua Elikplim Adjei, Eminence Lead International, and the international digital rights organisation Access Now and its RightsCon Global Team.

Looking ahead, Dr Wemakor said the HRRG Global RightsShield Awards would become a permanent international platform dedicated to recognising individuals and institutions championing democracy, human rights, civic freedoms, accountability and sustainable development across Africa and beyond.

He expressed optimism that the initiative would inspire ethical leadership and strengthen democratic values on the continent.