THEME: WE THE PEOPLE OF GHANA ARE SOVEREIGN | TIME: 4PM | Venue: La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Accra
The Ghana Leadership Awards (GLA) is a prestigious annual event dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating outstanding and exemplary leaders who have made significant, positive impacts on the advancement of Ghana, Africa, and the world. The awards and accompanying magazine serve as a gold standard for leadership recognition in Ghana, providing a key benchmark for excellence.
'In a nation charting an ambitious course for economic and social transformation, the true currency of progress is visionary leadership. The Ghana Leadership Awards were established not just to recognize achievement, but to underscore the essential character traits—integrity, innovation, and resilience—that are actively building a better Ghana.'
History of the Ghana Leadership Awards (GLA): The GLA was established with a clear mission: to celebrate visionary leadership, inspire national development, and honour individuals and institutions whose contributions strengthen Ghana's progress. Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin is the mastermind behind the awards we see today. He shifted the focus to a research-based model, ensuring the awards address national challenges. One notable research outcome was the 'Withhold visa for politicians till elections' study (2014-2016), which influenced global visa policies.
Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, the current Speaker of Ghana's Parliament, has demonstrated massive commitment to the GLA. His lengthy career since 1993 and his focus on strengthening democracy and inclusive governance give him immense credibility as a voice of stability. He emphasized that leadership is a duty to citizens, a message critical to sustaining peace and social trust.
The journey began in 2008 when a group of eminent persons formed 'Stability Foundation International' to stabilize Ghana politically and financially. After consulting with Hon. Alban Bagbin, the name was changed to Ghana Leadership Awards to focus on solving the 'left behind' problems of the country. Since then, the GLA has honored high-profile figures including former Presidents J.J. Rawlings, John Kufuor, John Mahama, and the current President Akufo-Addo, as well as global icons like the late Kofi Annan.
This year, as we celebrate the 17th edition, we turn the spotlight on a new cohort of leaders who are building the systemic resilience and ethical foundations upon which Ghana's future will be built. The awards cover political, business, agriculture, religious, and social sectors—providing comprehensive national recognition based on a blend of data-driven metrics and expert opinions.
