Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) has unveiled a new identity for its flagship international awards programme, officially rebranding it as the HRRG Global RightsShield Awards in a move the organisation says reflects its evolving vision of promoting human rights, democratic governance, and global leadership.
The programme, previously known as the HRRG Global RightsCon Awards, will now operate under its new name with immediate effect, according to a statement issued by the organisation.
HRRG said the rebranding marks an important milestone in the growth of the awards initiative and is intended to establish a distinct and independent global identity while expanding its international reach.
According to the organisation, the new name reflects its commitment to recognising individuals and institutions whose leadership and service have advanced human rights, democracy, justice, peace, digital inclusion, sustainable development, and global cooperation.
It noted that the term “RightsShield” symbolises the protection of fundamental freedoms, democratic values, civic participation, the rule of law, and human dignity—principles that underpin the organisation’s work.
HRRG emphasised that the awards programme remains an independent initiative founded, owned, organised, and administered solely by the organisation.
“The awards are guided by the principles of integrity, transparency, professionalism, impartiality, credibility and excellence,” the statement said, adding that the programme would continue to operate under its established governance and selection processes.
The organisation also clarified that the rebranding does not affect honours conferred during the inaugural edition of the awards, with all previous recipients retaining their status as inaugural awardees.
According to HRRG, the maiden edition recognised distinguished heads of state, diplomats, public officials, civil society organisations, institutions, human rights defenders, journalists, and other changemakers whose work has contributed to democratic governance, diplomacy, innovation, public service, sustainable development, and social justice across Africa and beyond.
Speaking on the rebranding, the Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana, Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, described the new identity as a significant step towards building a globally respected platform for recognising excellence in leadership and public service.
“The HRRG Global RightsShield Awards represent far more than a change of name. They reflect our long-term vision of building a credible, independent, and internationally respected platform that recognises individuals and institutions whose leadership, integrity, innovation, and service continue to advance human rights, democracy, justice, peace, and sustainable development,” he said.
Dr. Wemakor said the organisation would continue to celebrate leaders and institutions whose work creates meaningful impact while encouraging future generations to champion accountability, human dignity, and inclusive development.
He added that HRRG intends to deepen collaboration with governments, development partners, multilateral organisations, diplomatic missions, academic institutions, civil society organisations, philanthropic foundations, media organisations, and the private sector to strengthen the global reach and impact of the awards.
Looking ahead, HRRG said it envisions the Global RightsShield Awards becoming a leading international platform for recognising excellence in governance, diplomacy, academia, journalism, civil society, innovation, philanthropy, and sustainable development.
The organisation expressed appreciation to its inaugural honourees, partners, supporters, media organisations, and stakeholders for their continued confidence in the initiative.
Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) is a dynamic, leading human rights and media-focused civil society organisation working to advance human dignity, democratic accountability, social justice, civic participation, and sustainable development through advocacy, investigative journalism, research, capacity building, access to justice, and strategic partnerships in Ghana and beyond.
Over the years, the organisation has gained national and international recognition for its work, including the prestigious 5th UN Global Entreps Award for Best International Practice on Sustainability for its nationwide KTT Project, which reached more than 60,000 beneficiaries.
HRRG has also received the Africa Peace Advocate Award (2023), was named a finalist in the African Human Rights Defenders Shield Awards (2023), and was listed among Ghana’s 100 Most Impactful Changemakers in 2024.
The organisation has further been recognised by the World Bank for contributing to the Equality of Opportunity for Sexual and Gender Minorities (EQOSOGI) Report and featured in Business Woman Club International Magazine of Ukraine for its advocacy on women’s rights during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beyond its advocacy work, HRRG convenes and supports more than 500 civil society organisations through the Youth Sub-Platform of the Ghana Civil Society Organizations Platform on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has represented Ghana at major regional and international forums, including the United Nations High-Level Political Forum, the Pan-African Human Rights and Social Justice Conference, and the International Seminar on Enhancing Human Rights Activities in North Korea.