Otumfuo to honour Mahama, Akufo-Addo, Kufuor with gold medal
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will confer the prestigious Otumfuo Commemorative Gold Medal on President John Dramani Mahama and former Presidents Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor at the “World-Meets-in-Ghana” Executive Dinner Ball scheduled for Friday in Kumasi.
The rare joint honour is expected to celebrate Ghanaian statesmanship and promote national peace and unity, bringing together the three leaders under one royal platform.
The Otumfuo Commemorative Gold Medal is a high-level distinction reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to peacebuilding, national cohesion, economic development and Ghana’s global reputation.
According to organisers, the recognition reflects the contributions of the three leaders to Ghana’s democratic and peace-building journey.
President Mahama is being honoured for sustaining the Dagbon peace process and supporting the Asantehene-led mediation committee before leaving office in 2017. He is also credited with overseeing the Bawku mediation to its conclusion, including the presentation of the final report by Otumfuo, and initiating a GH¢1 billion Bawku Revitalisation Fund. His administration’s efforts to stabilise the economy and his engagement with traditional authorities are also cited.
Former President Akufo-Addo is being recognised for supporting the final resolution of the Dagbon conflict during his tenure and for implementing key governance reforms, including the Free Senior High School policy, which expanded access to education nationwide.
Former President Kufuor, on the other hand, is credited with initiating the Dagbon peace process, laying the groundwork for its eventual resolution. He is also being honoured for introducing the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and steering Ghana through the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative, which contributed to economic stabilisation.
By jointly honouring the three leaders, Otumfuo is expected to underscore the importance of continuity in leadership and the role of successive administrations in achieving long-term national goals.
The Executive Dinner Ball, which marks the Asantehene’s 27th coronation anniversary, will be held under the theme “Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development Through Royal Vision.”
The event will be chaired by renowned business leader Sir Sam Jonah, who will also receive the gold medal in recognition of his contributions to corporate leadership, youth empowerment and national development.
Other awardees include Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin; Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson; Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah; Bank of Ghana Governor Johnson Asiama; and Ghana Gold Board CEO Sammy Gyamfi.
Also to be honoured are Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno; Chief of the Defence Staff William Agyapong; National Peace Council Chairman Emmanuel Kofi Fianu; National House of Chiefs President Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi; Dzata Group CEO Ibrahim Mahama; Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga; Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin; and business executive Alex Dadey, among others.
The event will host high-profile international guests, including Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey as Special Guest of Honour, alongside Ogiame Atuwatse III and Olori Atuwatse III.
Organisers say the ceremony aims to reinforce the message that leadership is defined not by political affiliation but by lasting contributions to peace, unity and national development.
