History made in Abuja as HRRG launches Global RightsCon Awards, celebrates African icons

ABUJA, Nigeria | July 14, 2026 — A new chapter in global human rights recognition was written on Tuesday as Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) officially unveiled the HRRG Global RightsCon Awards, honouring an exceptional class of African leaders, diplomats, legal scholars, institutions and human rights champions whose leadership continues to advance democracy, justice, digital rights and sustainable development across Africa and the wider world.

The landmark unveiling and inaugural awards ceremony took place during the 3rd Africa High-Level Civil Society Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Conference 2026 at the Abuja Continental Hotel in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory. Organised under the theme “Championing Human Rights and Democratic Renewal,” the event attracted an impressive gathering of Heads of State, diplomats, senior government officials, legal experts, civil society leaders, development partners and governance practitioners from across Africa.

The official launch marked a defining milestone in HRRG’s institutional journey, introducing what is now its flagship global honours programme dedicated to recognising individuals and institutions whose courage, integrity, innovation and service continue to strengthen democratic governance, protect civic freedoms, promote digital inclusion and improve lives worldwide.

Originally conceived as a special recognition initiative to coincide with the RightsCon 2026 Summit in Lusaka, Zambia—the world’s leading conference on human rights in the digital age—the awards were scheduled to be presented during the global summit. However, following the cancellation of RightsCon 2026, HRRG’s Board of Directors and Awards Committee unanimously resolved that the outstanding achievements of the selected honourees deserved formal international recognition. Consequently, the organisation chose the Africa High-Level Civil Society AML/CFT Conference in Abuja as the platform to officially unveil the awards before an audience of distinguished African and international leaders.

A Vision Beyond Recognition
Delivering the keynote address, HRRG Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, described the occasion as far more than an awards ceremony, calling it the birth of a global movement that seeks to celebrate principled leadership and inspire future generations.

“Today is not merely about presenting plaques and citations. It is about officially launching a global platform that celebrates individuals and institutions who have consistently chosen courage over convenience, service over self-interest and impact over applause,” Dr. Wemakor stated.

He explained that the HRRG Global RightsCon Awards were established to ensure that individuals and organisations making extraordinary contributions to human rights, democratic governance, digital freedoms and sustainable development receive the international recognition they deserve.

Dr. Wemakor further stressed that, at a time when civic space continues to shrink in many parts of the world and human rights defenders face increasing challenges, recognising exemplary leadership is essential to inspiring hope, strengthening democratic institutions and encouraging ethical public service.

Distinguished Leaders Receive Inaugural Honours
Leading the inaugural class of honourees was His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who received the African Democratic Leadership & Regional Integration Award in recognition of his leadership in democratic governance, regional cooperation and advancing Africa’s strategic interests.

His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, was honoured with the African Statesmanship & Democratic Renewal Award for his enduring commitment to democratic values, inclusive development and regional collaboration.

Renowned Kenyan legal scholar and Pan-Africanist Professor Patrick Loch Otieno (PLO) Lumumba received the Pan-African Legal Thought & Moral Leadership Award, recognising his distinguished contributions to constitutionalism, legal scholarship, ethical leadership and African unity.

Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, was presented with the African Diplomacy & Global Solidarity Award for Sustainable Development for his contribution to diplomacy, international cooperation and advancing Africa’s voice on the global stage.

International digital rights organisation Access Now and the RightsCon Global Team were also recognised for their outstanding global leadership in advancing digital rights, internet freedom and the protection of human rights in the digital age while fostering international collaboration around technology and civic freedoms.

Other distinguished recipients included Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, Founder and Executive Director of Spaces for Change (S4C); Ing. Dr. George Asiedu, Project Coordinator of the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area Sanitation and Water Project (GAMA SWP); Hon. Alfredos Nii Anyetei, Municipal Chief Executive of the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly; Joshua Elikplim Adjei, Programme Officer of HRRG, for emerging leadership in youth advocacy and human rights; and Eminence Lead International, recognised for its contribution to leadership development and sustainable community transformation.

According to HRRG, all recipients were selected through an independent assessment conducted by the organisation’s Board and Awards Committee based on demonstrated leadership, measurable impact, integrity and exceptional contributions within their respective fields.

Building a Lasting Global Legacy
Dr. Wemakor expressed appreciation to Spaces for Change (S4C), Civic Advisory Hub (CAH), organisers of the Africa High-Level Civil Society AML/CFT Conference, development partners, members of the HRRG Board and Awards Committee, collaborating institutions and all stakeholders whose support made the successful launch of the awards possible.

He reaffirmed HRRG’s commitment to institutionalising the HRRG Global RightsCon Awards as one of the world’s foremost recognition platforms celebrating transformational leadership, democratic governance, civic freedoms, digital rights and sustainable development.

“The defence of human rights and civic freedoms is not the responsibility of a few—it is a shared responsibility that demands courage, integrity, collaboration and collective action across borders,” he said, adding that the awards aim to inspire a new generation of leaders committed to justice, accountability and human dignity.

With its official launch in Abuja, the HRRG Global RightsCon Awards begin a new journey as an international honours programme committed to celebrating those whose leadership is transforming communities, strengthening democratic institutions and advancing human rights across Africa and beyond.