John Mahama wins Prestigious 2024 Africa Advancement Award for Exemplary Leadership
Former President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Africa Advancement Award for Exemplary Leadership.
The accolade was bestowed upon him at the African Heritage Awards (AHA) 2024 event held in Lagos, Nigeria, on Saturday, April 13.
Mahama’s recognition stems from his significant contributions to Ghana’s democracy, particularly his role in facilitating a peaceful transition of power after the outcome of the 2016 general elections.
His commitment to upholding democratic principles and fostering stability within the nation has earned him admiration and acclaim across the African continent.
An earlier statement issued by the Chairman, Heritage Times, organizers of the awards, Mr Moses Siasia, said;
“The event is a gathering strategically organised to celebrate and recognize outstanding global accomplishments of Africans within the continent and in the Diaspora, in areas of Business, Politics, Philanthropy, Entertainment & Arts, Culture, Science & Technology, and Social Innovation.”
Siasia emphasized the importance of recognition and awards in nurturing a culture of excellence within Africa, promoting Afrocentrism, and cultivating an ecosystem conducive to telling the authentic African narrative.
He highlighted that such initiatives play a vital role in advancing the continent’s full potential by celebrating achievements and contributions that reflect the richness and diversity of African cultures and heritage.
Aside Mr Mahama, the organisers of the award had also listed those nominated to include African-American billionaire Philanthropist, Robert F. Smith, Chairman/CEO of Vista Equity Partners, Texas, United States and HE, Dr George Weah, former President of Liberia.
Others were HE, Mama Rachael Ruto, First Lady of the Republic of Kenya & Founder of Mama Doing Good Organisation and Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Victoire Tomegah Dogbe, Prime Minister of Togo and Mrs Folorunsho Alakija, Managing Director of the Rose of Sharon Group and Executive Vice Chairman of Famfa Oil Limited are among those to honour, among others.
In his remarks following the reception of the award, Mr. Mahama expressed gratitude and dedicated the honor to the dedicated team that supported him tirelessly, especially during challenging periods for the country.
Reflecting on the hardships Ghana faced, including power and economic crises, Mahama underscored the necessity for innovative and creative thinking to navigate through such trying times. He acknowledged the collective effort of his team in overcoming these obstacles and steering the nation toward stability and progress.
“I’m inspired by this award because not everybody gets the chance or the opportunity to be president twice. Incidentally, I’m standing for elections again, it is what gives an opportunity that you are able to reflect over these last eight years on things that you did well and things that you didn’t do so well and get an opportunity to come and make those things better. And so, I consider this From the Heritage Times as an inspiration.”
STORY BY; PORTIA AKU SHIKA GAFAH
