The President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has been honoured by Association of Political Consultants Africa for what the organisation described as his resilience in leadership, commitment to democratic governance, dedication to constitutional principles and service to the public.

In a press release dated May 17, 2026, APC-Africa stated that the award recognises President Mahama’s continued commitment to democracy and constitutional governance.

According to the organisation, President Mahama has demonstrated leadership that reflects the growth and resilience of democracy on the African continent.

“President John Dramani Mahama’s resilience and commitment to democratic values reflect the enduring promise of accountable leadership in Africa,” the statement said.

The organisation added that its Governing Council unanimously agreed to honour the President for his democratic engagement, advocacy for peaceful political processes and service to both Ghana and the wider African continent.

APC-Africa also noted that the recognition places President Mahama among a list of African leaders who have previously received the award, including William Ruto, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The award was presented during the 8th Africa Political Summit and Democracy Awards held at University of Professional Studies, Accra on May 14, 2026.

Receiving the award on behalf of President Mahama, Presidential Envoy on Religious Affairs, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, who represented the Chief of Staff, described the President as “an exceptional democrat” recognised internationally for his belief in constitutional governance.

Speaking as Special Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker, Afriyie Ankrah urged APC-Africa to champion discussions on the high cost of political campaigns across the continent.

He argued that excessive campaign spending contributes to cycles of poverty, as resources could instead be directed toward job creation, healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.

He also proposed broader continental and national discussions on the possibility of introducing a single presidential term lasting between six and eight years as a way of reducing the cost of elections conducted every four years.

'I will walk from Dormaa to Accra to thank Mahama if Accra-Kumasi Expressway is completed' - Dormaahene

Afriyie Ankrah further highlighted the increasing involvement of young people in politics, stressing that inclusive political participation remains important for building stable and peaceful societies.

This year’s Africa Political Summit, themed “Reinventing Political Campaigns: Strategy, Technology, Resourcing, and Grassroots Mobilisation,” brought together political leaders, policymakers, election administrators, governance experts, political strategists, civil society groups, academics and development partners from across Africa to discuss democracy, electoral integrity, political communication, technology and inclusive governance.

In his opening remarks, APC-Africa Secretary-General, Temitope Ajayi, described the summit as “a high-level, non-partisan platform” focused on examining political campaigning in the digital age, strengthening democratic institutions, and promoting professional standards in election management across Africa.



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