The first recipients of Human Rights Reporters Ghana’s (HRRG) flagship international awards programme have been celebrated for their outstanding contributions to advancing human rights, democratic governance, diplomacy, civic leadership, sustainable development, and social transformation across Africa and beyond.
Originally launched as the HRRG Global RightsCon Awards, the programme has since been officially rebranded as the HRRG Global RightsShield Awards, marking a new chapter in its evolution while preserving the prestige and historical significance of its inaugural honours.
The inaugural edition recognised an exceptional group of heads of state, public officials, civil society leaders, development practitioners, institutions, and young changemakers whose work continues to shape lives, strengthen democratic institutions, and promote inclusive development.
According to HRRG, the rebranding reflects the organisation’s long-term vision of building an independent global awards platform dedicated to celebrating individuals and institutions whose leadership exemplifies integrity, innovation, courage, accountability, and service to humanity.
Importantly, HRRG emphasised that the change in name does not affect the status, validity, or recognition of any award conferred during the inaugural edition.
Distinguished Leaders Among the First-Ever Honourees
Leading the list of inaugural recipients was H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, who received the African Statesmanship & Democratic Renewal Award for his commitment to democratic governance, ethical leadership, regional cooperation, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.
Also, honoured was H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, recipient of the African Democratic Leadership & Regional Integration Award in recognition of his leadership in strengthening democracy, promoting regional integration, advancing economic development, and enhancing Africa’s position on the global stage.
Renowned Kenyan legal scholar, public intellectual, and Pan-Africanist Professor Patrick Loch Otieno (PLO) Lumumba received the Pan-African Legal Thought & Moral Leadership Award for his enduring advocacy for constitutionalism, justice, ethical governance, and Pan-African unity.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, was presented with the African Diplomacy & Global Solidarity Award for Sustainable Development for his leadership in diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, human rights-centered foreign policy, and international development.
Recognising Leadership Across Diverse Sectors
The inaugural awards also celebrated excellence in public service, local governance, civil society leadership, digital rights, sanitation, youth development, and community transformation.
Ing. Dr. George Asiedu, Coordinator of the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area Sanitation and Water Project (GAMA SWP), received the Sanitation & Sustainable Cities Leadership Award for his contributions to urban sanitation, water accessibility, public health, and sustainable city development.
Ms. Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, Executive Director of Spaces for Change, West Africa, was honoured with the Civic Space & Social Justice Advocacy Award for her commitment to protecting civic space, promoting gender equality, advancing disability inclusion, and strengthening social justice across Africa.
The RightsCon Global Convening & Movement-Building Excellence Award was conferred on Access Now and the RightsCon Global Team in recognition of their global leadership in advancing digital rights, internet freedom, technology accountability, and the protection of human rights in the digital environment.
Editorial Note: This recognition formed part of the inaugural honours programme. The HRRG Global RightsShield Awards are an independent initiative founded, owned, and organised solely by Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG).
The Civil Society Excellence & Inclusive Development Impact Award was presented to Eminence Lead International LBG for its outstanding work in women’s economic empowerment, quality education, sustainable agriculture, gender equality, and inclusive community development.
Joshua Elikplim Adjei, Programme Officer of Human Rights Reporters Ghana, received the Emerging Human Rights Leadership & Youth Advocacy Excellence Award in recognition of his exceptional contributions to youth leadership, civic engagement, and human rights advocacy.
The Local Governance & Community Transformation Excellence Award was presented to Hon. Alfredos Nii Anyetei, Municipal Chief Executive of the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA), for his visionary leadership in local governance, participatory development, and sustainable community transformation.
Preserving a Historic Legacy
HRRG noted that the inaugural recipients will forever remain the foundation of the awards programme. While the initiative now bears the name HRRG Global RightsShield Awards, the achievements and recognition accorded to the first-ever recipients remain an integral part of its history.
The organisation believes these distinguished leaders and institutions embody the values upon which the awards were founded—visionary leadership, integrity, accountability, innovation, public service, and an unwavering commitment to advancing human dignity.
Looking ahead, HRRG says future editions of the Global RightsShield Awards will continue to identify and celebrate outstanding individuals and organisations whose work strengthens democratic governance, promotes human rights, advances sustainable development, and inspires positive change across Africa and the wider global community.
As the programme enters a new era under its new identity, the inaugural honourees will continue to stand as the benchmark of excellence and the enduring legacy upon which the HRRG Global RightsShield Awards will build for generations to come.
Recognising Impact. Celebrating Leadership. Advancing Human Dignity.
Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG)
