The Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), Dr Joseph Kobla Wemakor, has explained the basis for the organisation’s decision to honour President John Dramani Mahama with the African Statesmanship & Democratic Renewal Award.
Speaking on Africa in Perspective, a programme on Radio Now 95.3 FM in Lagos, Nigeria, on Thursday, July 23, 2026, Dr Wemakor said the recognition was based on President Mahama’s contributions to democratic governance, peaceful democratic transitions, inclusive leadership, regional cooperation, and public service.
The interview, hosted by broadcaster Abiodun Adelowore, focused on President Mahama’s recent recognition following 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.
Dr Wemakor explained that the African Statesmanship & Democratic Renewal Award forms part of the newly launched HRRG Global RightsShield Awards, an international honours platform established to recognise individuals and institutions making significant contributions to human rights, democracy, civic freedoms, accountability, digital rights, sustainable development, and social justice.
“These are not political awards,” Dr Wemakor stressed. “They are independent recognitions grounded in leadership, measurable impact, public service, democratic values, and commitment to humanity.”
He explained that statesmanship goes beyond occupying public office, describing it as leadership demonstrated through integrity, vision, institution-building, and service to society.
According to him, democratic renewal reflects efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, promote accountability, rebuild public trust, encourage peaceful governance, and expand citizen participation.
Dr Wemakor said President Mahama’s recognition was therefore based on achievements that align with the objectives of the award category.
“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 said.
The HRRG Executive Director noted that the awards were initially planned to coincide with the organisation’s high-level dialogue at the cancelled RightsCon 2026 Summit in Lusaka, Zambia.
However, following the cancellation of the summit, HRRG’s Board and Awards Committee resolved that recipients who had already gone through the selection process should still receive international recognition.
The awards were subsequently unveiled during the continental AML/CFT Conference in Abuja under the theme: “Championing Human Rights and Democratic Renewal.”
Dr Wemakor described HRRG as a media advocacy civil society organisation working to promote human dignity, democratic accountability, social justice, inclusive development, and civic participation across Ghana, Africa, and beyond.
He highlighted some of the organisation’s achievements, including receiving the prestigious 5th UN Global Entreps Award for Best International Practice on Sustainability through its Kidnapping, Teenage Pregnancy and Tramadol (KTT) Project, which has impacted more than 60,000 beneficiaries.
He also noted HRRG’s role in convening and supporting 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 leaders and institutions across government, civil society, academia, youth leadership, digital rights, and sustainable development.
Other honourees included Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Prof. Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri of Spaces for Change, Ing. Dr George Asiedu, Joshua Elikplim Adjei, Eminence Lead International, and international digital rights organisation Access Now and its RightsCon Global Team.
Dr Wemakor said the awards covered seven major categories, including Pan-African Leadership, Human Rights, Digital Rights, Civic Space, Local Governance, Youth Leadership, and Sustainable Development.
He expressed appreciation to the organisers of the AML/CFT Conference, Spaces for Change (S4C), Civic Advisory Hub (CAH), HRRG’s Board, and members of the Awards Committee for supporting the successful launch of the initiative.
Looking ahead, Dr Wemakor said the HRRG Global RightsShield Awards would continue as a permanent international platform dedicated to celebrating individuals and institutions advancing democracy, human rights, civic freedoms, accountability, and sustainable development.
He said Africa needs more credible platforms that recognise ethical leadership, democratic resilience, civic courage, and service to humanity.
“The HRRG Global RightsShield Awards are not simply about recognising distinguished personalities. They are about promoting the values that strengthen societies — human dignity, democratic governance, accountability, civic participation, and service to humanity,” he added.
Listen to the full interview here:
