The Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), Dr Joseph Kobla Wemakor, has explained the rationale behind the organisation’s decision to honour President John Dramani Mahama with the African Statesmanship & Democratic Renewal Award under the newly launched HRRG Global RightsShield Awards.
Speaking during an interview on Africa in Perspective, a programme aired on Radio Now 95.3 FM in Lagos, Nigeria, Dr Wemakor said the award was conferred in recognition of President Mahama’s contributions to democratic governance, peaceful democratic transitions, inclusive leadership, regional cooperation and public service.
The interview, hosted by renowned broadcaster Abiodun Adelowore on Thursday, July 23, 2026, followed 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 is one of the flagship honours under the HRRG Global RightsShield Awards initially created as the HRRG Global RightsCon Award, an international initiative established to recognise outstanding individuals and institutions advancing human rights, democratic governance, civic freedoms, accountability, digital rights, social justice and sustainable development.
He emphasised that the awards are independent and non-partisan.
“These are not political awards. They are independent recognitions grounded in leadership, measurable impact, public service, democratic values and commitment to humanity,” he stated.
According to Dr Wemakor, statesmanship is demonstrated through integrity, visionary leadership, institution-building and service to society, while democratic renewal reflects efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, promote accountability, rebuild public confidence, encourage peaceful governance and expand citizen participation.
He said President Mahama’s recognition was based on achievements that align with these principles and the objectives of the award category.
“Awards do more than celebrate individuals,” he noted. “They inspire responsible leadership, encourage integrity in public service and demonstrate that positive leadership deserves recognition.”
Dr Wemakor disclosed that the HRRG Global RightsShield Awards were originally scheduled to be launched alongside the organisation’s high-level dialogue at the RightsCon 2026 Summit in Lusaka, Zambia. However, following the cancellation of the summit, HRRG’s Board and Awards Committee decided to proceed with honouring recipients who had already successfully gone through the selection process.
The awards were subsequently unveiled during the continental AML/CFT Conference in Abuja under the theme, “Championing Human Rights and Democratic Renewal.”
Touching on the work of HRRG, Dr Wemakor described the organisation as a media advocacy civil society organisation committed to advancing human dignity, democratic accountability, social justice, inclusive development and civic participation across Ghana, Africa and beyond.
He highlighted HRRG’s international 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 positively impacted more than 60,000 beneficiaries.
He also noted that HRRG currently convenes and supports over 500 civil society organisations through the Youth Sub-Platform of the Ghana Civil Society Organisations Platform on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr Wemakor disclosed that the inaugural HRRG Global RightsShield Awards recognised distinguished leaders and institutions across government, civil society, academia, youth leadership, digital rights and sustainable development.
Other inaugural honourees included Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, renowned Kenyan legal scholar and Pan-Africanist Prof. Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Executive Director of Spaces for Change Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, Ing. Dr George Asiedu, Joshua Elikplim Adjei, Eminence Lead International, and international digital rights organisation Access Now and its RightsCon Global Team.
He explained that the inaugural awards covered seven major categories: Pan-African Leadership, Human Rights, Digital Rights, Civic Space, Local Governance, Youth Leadership and Sustainable Development.
Dr Wemakor expressed appreciation to the organisers of the AML/CFT Conference, Spaces for Change (S4C), Civic Advisory Hub (CAH), members of HRRG’s Board and the Awards Committee for supporting the successful launch of the initiative.
Looking ahead, he said the HRRG Global RightsShield Awards are intended to become a permanent international platform dedicated to recognising individuals and institutions advancing democracy, human rights, civic freedoms, accountability and sustainable development across Africa and beyond.
He added that Africa needs more credible recognition platforms that celebrate 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,” Dr Wemakor said.
Listen to the full interview here:
