A Defining Moment: Presenting President John Mahama with the African Statesmanship & Democratic Renewal Award

There are moments in one's professional journey that become lasting milestones—not because of the recognition they bring, but because of the values they represent.

For me, Tuesday, July 14, 2026, was one of those defining moments.

At the Abuja Continental Hotel in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory, I had the distinct honour of officially unveiling the HRRG Global RightsCon Awards and presenting the inaugural African Statesmanship & Democratic Renewal Award to the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama.

Although President Mahama was unable to attend due to official engagements, the award was graciously received on his behalf by Mrs Jennifer Y. Annor-Tettey, Counsellor/Consular Affairs at the Ghana High Commission in Nigeria.

The presentation formed part of the 3rd Africa High-Level Civil Society Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Conference 2026—an important continental gathering that brought together civil society leaders, governance experts and policymakers committed to strengthening accountability, transparency and democratic governance across Africa.

I remain deeply grateful to Spaces for Change, West Africa, Civic Advisory Hub (CAH) and their partners for providing the platform that made the official unveiling and inaugural presentation of the HRRG Global RightsCon Awards possible.

Why President Mahama?

Every award should answer one important question: Why this recipient?

For the HRRG Awards Committee, the answer was clear.

President Mahama's contribution to democratic governance, inclusive development, regional cooperation and public service has earned recognition not only within Ghana but across the African continent. His commitment to peaceful democratic processes, dialogue and regional engagement reflects values that remain essential for Africa's democratic future.

The African Statesmanship & Democratic Renewal Award was therefore established to recognise leaders whose public service strengthens democratic institutions and inspires confidence in governance.

During the presentation, I remarked:

"President John Dramani Mahama represents the importance of democratic leadership, inclusive governance and regional solidarity. Through this honour, we recognise not only his service to Ghana but also his contribution to advancing democratic values and cooperation across Africa and beyond."

Those words reflected exactly what the award seeks to celebrate.

The beginning of something bigger

The HRRG Global RightsCon Awards were never conceived as a one-off event.

The vision has always been to establish a credible international honours platform that recognises individuals, institutions and organisations making meaningful contributions to human rights, democratic governance, digital rights, civic participation, social justice and sustainable development.

Originally, the awards were planned to be presented alongside the RightsCon 2026 Summit in Lusaka, Zambia. When the summit was cancelled, our Board of Directors and Awards Committee carefully considered the way forward.

We reached a simple conclusion: exceptional leadership should not go unrecognised because circumstances change.

That decision led us to Abuja, where the inaugural awards were officially launched before an audience of distinguished civil society leaders and stakeholders from across Africa.

Celebrating leadership across Africa

President Mahama was among several remarkable personalities recognised during the inaugural ceremony.

Other distinguished recipients included President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, Professor Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba (PLO Lumumba), Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, Access Now and the RightsCon Global Team, Ing. Dr George Asiedu, Hon. Alfredos Nii Anyetei, Joshua Elikplim Adjei and Eminence Lead International.

Each recipient represents a unique story of service, leadership and impact.

Collectively, they demonstrate that positive change is possible when individuals and institutions remain committed to advancing justice, democracy and human dignity.

Looking ahead

As I reflect on the successful launch of the HRRG Global RightsCon Awards, I do so with a profound sense of gratitude.

I am grateful to the HRRG Board of Directors, Awards Committee, our partners, supporters, volunteers and every individual whose dedication made this milestone possible.

More importantly, I am encouraged by what lies ahead.

My hope is that the HRRG Global RightsCon Awards will continue to grow into one of Africa's most respected international honours programmes—one that not only celebrates achievement but also inspires ethical leadership, strengthens democratic governance and promotes respect for human rights across the continent and beyond.

History often remembers the awards that endured because they consistently recognised excellence with integrity.

It is my sincere belief that the HRRG Global RightsCon Awards have taken their first step on that journey.

The unveiling in Abuja was not simply the launch of a new awards programme.

It marked the beginning of a long-term commitment to celebrating leadership that advances democracy, protects human dignity and leaves a lasting legacy for future generations.