President Dramani Mahama has been honoured with the International Statesperson Award by the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, for exemplary global leadership .
The award, which is the highest recognition of the institution was presented to Mahama on March 27, 2026, making him the first African leader to receive the prestigious honour.
The award was first established in 1973 to recognise distinguished international figures whose contributions advance peace, freedom, and lasting impact on global affairs.
Previous recipients include prominent global leaders and policymakers, although the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia does not maintain a publicly consolidated list of honourees.
The honour comes amid Mahama’s ongoing international engagements, where he has been at the forefront of renewed calls for reparatory justice and global recognition of historical injustices against Africans and people of African descent.
In his acceptance speech,Mahama paid tribute and credited his commitment to global peace and development to the legacy of Africa’s pioneering leaders and freedom fighters , citing figures such as Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela, and Kenneth Kaunda, whose sacrifices continue to inspire current and future generations.
“It is with great reverence that I accept this International Statesperson Award for those statesmen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their nations and for my continent Africa.” He said.
“Those who did not see the results of their resistance, those whose history has exalted. They have charted a way forward for us leaders of today to follow. They have given us hope, a sense of purpose and realisation of the endless possibilities that exist on the African horizon.” he added
Story by
Hussein Habibata Maltiti


