A New Chapter in Our Journey: Introducing the HRRG Global RightsShield Awards

 



Every meaningful institution reaches moments in its journey when reflection, growth, and renewed vision become necessary.

For Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), that moment has come.

Today, I am pleased to announce the official rebranding of our flagship international awards programme, formerly known as the HRRG Global RightsCon Awards, which will now be known as the HRRG Global RightsShield Awards.

This transition represents far more than a change of name. It reflects a new chapter in our collective journey to build a globally respected platform dedicated to recognising exceptional leadership, courage, innovation, integrity, and service to humanity.

The Vision Behind the New Identity

When HRRG conceived the idea of establishing an international awards programme, our goal was clear: to create a platform that celebrates individuals and institutions whose work contributes meaningfully to the advancement of human rights, democracy, justice, peace, and sustainable development.

The world is shaped by people and organisations who often work tirelessly behind the scenes to defend dignity, protect freedoms, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for others.

The HRRG Global RightsShield Awards were created to ensure that such contributions do not go unnoticed.

The new identity reflects our commitment to building an independent, credible, and globally recognised platform that honours those who dedicate their lives and resources to making society better.

The name "RightsShield" captures the essence of what we stand for—the protection of human rights, democratic values, civic freedoms, accountable governance, digital rights, gender equality, environmental justice, and the rule of law.

Preserving Our Legacy While Embracing the Future

As we embrace this new identity, we remain deeply connected to our beginnings.

The inaugural edition of the awards represented a historic milestone for HRRG. It brought together distinguished leaders, institutions, diplomats, public officials, human rights defenders, academics, journalists, innovators, and changemakers whose contributions have positively impacted communities across Africa and beyond.

I wish to assure all our inaugural honourees, partners, supporters, and stakeholders that this rebranding does not affect the validity or recognition of any honour previously conferred.

Every award presented remains fully valid, and every recipient continues to be an important part of the growing legacy of the HRRG Global RightsShield Awards.

Strengthening an Independent Global Platform

At HRRG, we strongly believe that credibility is built on independence, transparency, fairness, and professionalism.

The HRRG Global RightsShield Awards remain an initiative conceived, founded, owned, organised, and administered by Human Rights Reporters Ghana.

The programme continues to operate under established governance and selection processes guided by integrity, impartiality, credibility, excellence, and transparency.

Our ambition is not simply to create another awards programme. Our ambition is to build a trusted global institution that inspires future generations and celebrates those who are advancing human dignity and positive transformation.

A Commitment to Collaboration

As we move into this new chapter, HRRG looks forward to strengthening partnerships with governments, multilateral organisations, diplomatic missions, development partners, academic institutions, civil society organisations, philanthropic foundations, media organisations, and private sector institutions that share our commitment to human rights, democratic governance, justice, peace, innovation, and sustainable development.

Collaboration remains essential to creating lasting impact.

Together, we can build stronger systems that recognise excellence, encourage responsible leadership, and amplify the voices of those working to create a more just and inclusive world.

My Message of Appreciation

I wish to express my profound appreciation to all our inaugural honourees, supporters, partners, media organisations, friends, and stakeholders who have believed in this vision and supported the journey so far.

Your confidence and encouragement have strengthened our resolve to continue building an initiative that represents excellence, integrity, and service to humanity.

The journey ahead is exciting, and we remain committed to ensuring that the HRRG Global RightsShield Awards become a respected global platform for celebrating leaders and changemakers whose work continues to inspire hope and transform lives.



About Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG)

Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) is a leading Ghanaian human rights and media-focused civil society organisation committed to advancing human dignity, democratic accountability, social justice, civic participation, and sustainable development in Ghana, across Africa, and globally.

Through advocacy, investigative journalism, research, capacity building, access to justice, and strategic partnerships, HRRG works to empower vulnerable communities, amplify marginalised voices, and strengthen democratic governance and inclusive development.

Over the years, HRRG's work has received national and international recognition, 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.

The organisation has also received the Africa Peace Advocate Award (2023), was named a finalist in the African Human Rights Defenders Shield Awards (2023), was listed among Ghana's 100 Most Impactful Changemakers (2024), and received recognition from the World Bank for expert contributions to the Equality of Opportunity for Sexual and Gender Minorities (EQOSOGI) Report.

HRRG also 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 continues to represent Ghana at major regional and international platforms.

As we unveil the HRRG Global RightsShield Awards, we do so with renewed commitment, humility, and determination to recognise those who continue to defend human dignity, promote justice, and shape a better future for generations to come.


Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor
Executive Director
Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG)

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