The Otumfuo Osei Tutu II will confer the 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 in Kumasi on Friday.
The rare joint honour is expected to celebrate statesmanship and promote national unity by bringing the three leaders together under a single royal platform
The Otumfuo Commemorative Gold Medal is a prestigious distinction reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to peacebuilding, national cohesion, economic development and Ghana’s global standing.
Organisers say the award recognises the contributions of the three leaders to Ghana’s democratic stability and peace processes.
President Mahama is being honoured for his role in sustaining the Dagbon peace process and supporting the Asantehene-led mediation committee prior to leaving office in 2017. He is also credited with overseeing the Bawku mediation process to its conclusion and initiating a GH¢1 billion Bawku Revitalisation Fund, alongside efforts to stabilise the economy and engage traditional authorities.
Former President Akufo-Addo is recognised for supporting the final resolution of the Dagbon conflict during his tenure and for implementing key governance policies, including the Free Senior High School programme, which expanded access to education nationwide.
Former President Kufuor is being acknowledged for initiating the Dagbon peace process, laying the foundation for its eventual resolution. He is also credited with introducing the National Health Insurance Scheme and guiding Ghana through the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries initiative, which contributed to economic stabilisation.
By jointly honouring the three leaders, the Asantehene is expected to highlight the importance of continuity in leadership and the role successive administrations play in achieving long-term national goals.
The Executive Dinner Ball forms part of activities marking the Asantehene’s 27th coronation anniversary and will be held under the theme “Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development Through Royal Vision.”
Renowned business leader Sir Sam Jonah, who will chair the event, is also among the recipients of the gold medal for his contributions to corporate leadership and youth development.
Other awardees include Alban Bagbin, Cassiel Ato Forson, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Johnson Asiama and Sammy Gyamfi.
Also to be honoured are Christian Tetteh Yohuno, William Agyapong, Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi, Ibrahim Mahama, Mahama Ayariga, Alexander Afenyo-Markin and Alex Dadey.
The event will also 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 should be defined by lasting contributions to peace, unity and national development, rather than political affiliation.
