Celebrated Ghanaian journalist and human rights activist, Joseph Kobla Wemakor, has been awarded the prestigious Global Doctoral Humanitarian and Ministerial Excellence Award 2024 by the Board of Regents of the International Kingdom University in Margate, Florida, USA.
This recognition highlights his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to humanitarian service.
In the award notification, the Selecting Committee expressed admiration for Wemakor’s lifelong dedication to community development, stating, “We consider it worthwhile to officially confer this honor upon you after a careful study and monitoring of your lifestyle and social work.”
They commended his exemplary character and significant contributions to both his community and country, recognizing him as “a noble personality with integrity who deserves this great highest academic achievement.”
Wemakor, the founder and Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), has made remarkable strides in media advocacy, uniting journalists, editors, lawyers, and human rights defenders to promote social justice.
He is also a prominent advocate for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and serves as the Convener of the Ghana Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Platform on SDGs (Youth sub-platform).
An honorary graduate of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) and a fellow of the Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa Financial Journalism Program, Wemakor’s impressive accolades include the 5th UN Global Entreps Awards, the Africa Peace Advocate Award in 2023, and recognition as a finalist for the 2023 African Human Rights Defenders Shield Award and the African Rising Activism Award 2020 (Movement of the Year Category).
During the ceremony, Rev. Dr. Christian Heim, Chancellor of International Kingdom University, addressed the audience, stating, “It’s my privilege to stand before you today… to celebrate exceptional leaders and citizens who have made significant contributions to humanity.”
He emphasized the importance of honoring living leaders, saying, “We believe in honoring the living rather than the deceased.” Rev. Dr. Heim expressed gratitude to those who made the event possible and appealed for support to establish a permanent campus for International Kingdom University in Ghana, highlighting, “We are investing in people that we have no clue until we train them that they might achieve great things.”
He continued, “Your support will enable us to create a hub for academic excellence, innovation, and leadership development,” and encouraged contributions, reminding attendees, “You don’t sow good seed in bad ground. You sow good seed in good ground that produces a good harvest.”
Dr. Francis Essel Okyeahene, Chairman of the Governance & Development Committee, also delivered an inspiring speech.
He welcomed all attendees, remarking, “You are all welcome. My mission here is to welcome you.”
He emphasized the significance of the Global Doctoral Humanitarian Excellence Award’s 24th edition and expressed pride in conferring honorary degrees on outstanding individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and compassion.
Among those recognized alongside Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor were notable figures such as Ing. George Asiedu, Project Coordinator of the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) Sanitation and Water Project, Dela Gomado, Torgbui Ogidigah Prosper, Apostle Michael Akesseh, and many others, including Rt. Rev. Samuel Ashmond Mensah and Prophet Kingsford Aidoo Maxwell.
Archbishop General Obenfo George Slezer Ofori-Atah also shared his thoughts during the ceremony, stating, “I want to talk a little on embodying leadership, inspiring transformation, and embodying excellence.”
He highlighted the significance of the honorary doctorate, saying, “The honorary doctorate in executive leadership that you are about to receive is a testament to exceptional leadership and achievement.”
He urged the honorees to recognize their power to shape cultures and transform lives, emphasizing, “Leadership is not just a title; it is a way of being.”
Wemakor’s latest honor is a testament to his tireless efforts in journalism, humanitarian advocacy, and the promotion of human rights in Ghana and beyond.
He believes his hard work, dedication, and contribution towards activism over decades have been rewarded.
“This is a monumental achievement that has transformed my life. With deep honor and gratitude, I want to say a big thank you to the Board of Regents at the International Kingdom University, including its Selecting Committee, for this great honor.”
Wemakor’s latest honor is a testament to his tireless efforts in journalism, humanitarian advocacy, and the promotion of human rights in Ghana and beyond.
Reflecting on his recognition, he stated, “This is a monumental achievement that has transformed my life. With deep honor and gratitude, I want to say a big thank you to the Board of Regents at the International Kingdom University, including its Selecting Committee, for this great honor.”
As Dr. Okyeahene concluded, “They will honor you before you die. You will be a brother of God before you die. Your children will be okay.”
This powerful message resonated deeply with the audience, celebrating the impact of all honorees and reinforcing the importance of their work in contributing to a better society.
