Some distinguished Ghanaian figures in Ghana, President John Dramani Mahama, Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, Juliet Ibrahim, Sparqlyn (Ahmmed Kanneh Larweh), and the Agricultural Development Bank Ghana, have been nominated for honors at the upcoming 2025 African Performance Leadership Awards (APLA).
The nominations were announced by the APLA Organizing Committee, which praised these personalities for their exceptional contributions to leadership, governance, culture, music, philanthropy, and economic development across Africa.
Originally scheduled to be held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, the event has now been relocated to Olumo Hall at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.
The award ceremony will take place on Friday, June 20, 2025. The venue change, the committee explained, became necessary due to ongoing political tensions in Burkina Faso, including its suspension from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following a recent military coup.
Organizers emphasized that the move ensures a more secure and enabling environment for dignitaries and nominees, with arrangements in collaboration with the Lagos State Government already well underway to guarantee a smooth and celebratory event.
Among the standout nominees is President John Dramani Mahama, who returned to office in Ghana’s 2024 general elections, reclaiming leadership with a renewed mandate focused on economic revitalization, infrastructure expansion, and regional diplomacy.
President Mahama has long been recognized as a statesman of vision and compassion, with his leadership elevating Ghana’s democratic credentials and international standing.
Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, the revered Asantehene, is also among the honorees. Since ascending the Golden Stool in 1999, Otumfuo has dedicated his reign to peacebuilding, development, and cultural preservation.
Notably, he played a pivotal role in resolving the protracted Dagbon chieftaincy conflict as Chair of the Committee of Eminent Chiefs, earning him national accolades, including the 2020 Pillar of Peace Award.
Through the Otumfuo Education Fund and other philanthropic ventures, he continues to provide scholarships and support to thousands of underprivileged Ghanaians.
Juliet Ibrahim, one of Ghana’s most accomplished actresses and authors, also earned a nomination for her cultural influence and humanitarian advocacy. Her charitable organization, the Juliet Ibrahim Foundation, focuses on raising awareness of kidney disease, mental health, and women’s empowerment. Her work in film and social activism has made her a leading voice in the promotion of African talent and welfare.
Popular Ghanaian musician and entrepreneur Ahmmed Kanneh Larweh, widely known by his stage name Sparqlyn, is another honoree. A former member of the music group Dunsin, Sparqlyn has carved out a successful solo career and has also ventured into entrepreneurship and the real estate space.
His influence stretches beyond entertainment, as he is also the Development chief of Manye Krobo in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Sparqlyn continues to use his platform to empower youth and promote Ghanaian music and identity across Africa.
The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) Ghana also joins the prestigious list of nominees. A stalwart of agricultural financing, ADB has long been at the forefront of Ghana’s agribusiness transformation.
Through its support for farmers, cooperatives, and agricultural enterprises, the bank has boosted food security, job creation, and rural development, aligning strongly with the vision of sustainable African growth that the APLA awards seek to celebrate.
The 2025 APLA event will be chaired by His Emperor Majesty, Ambassador Dr. King Nkosinathi Eugene Mahlangu, The Bongwe 2nd of the Ndebele Kingdom, South Africa.
The occasion will be graced by a roster of high-profile dignitaries, including former South African President Dr. Jacob Zuma; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; Governor Alex Otti of Abia State; Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate; Hon. Obinna Oriaku, former Abia State Finance Commissioner; and Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, among others.
Ambassador Dr. Joseph Anthony Carew, an IAWPA/United Nations Eminent Peace Ambassador and Pan-Africanist, will deliver the main lecture of the day on the topic: “Terrorism, Corruption, and Climate Change as Threats to African Development and Economy.” Hon. Obinna Oriaku will deliver the keynote address titled: “Bold Leaps and Action Innovations in Climate Resilience, Revamping Economic Activities of States and Delivering Monumental Infrastructural Development Strides and Dividends of Democracy within States.” The spiritual honor of the event will be held by Ambassador Bishop Dr. Emeka Michael Nwankpa as the Father of the Day.
Nominees have been requested to submit any inputs or suggestions to ensure the success and smooth running of the award ceremony by June 12, 2025.
In cases where nominees cannot be physically present, they are encouraged to formally designate a representative to receive the award on their behalf.
The APLA 2025 Organizing Committee, led by Ambassador Dr. Chiozoadighi Nnaemeka Great and Executive Secretary Ambassador Dr. Albert Chukwunyere Ndeze, emphasized that this year’s awards are guided by the mantra: “Lifting Africans for Africa.” The committee reiterated its commitment to delivering a memorable celebration of African excellence, unity, and leadership.
