BY Nadia Ntiamoah
In a rare show of unity and recognition of national leadership, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will confer the distinguished Otumfuo Commemorative Gold Medal on President John Dramani Mahama and former Presidents Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor at the upcoming “World-Meets-in-Ghana” Executive Dinner Ball in Kumasi this Friday.
The high-profile event, which coincides with the Asantehene’s 27th coronation anniversary, is expected to bring together political leaders, diplomats, traditional authorities, and business figures under one royal platform to celebrate statesmanship, peace, and national cohesion.
The conferment of the Otumfuo Commemorative Gold Medal is considered one of the highest honours reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the unity, development, and global reputation.
The joint recognition of the three leaders underscores their individual and collective contributions to the democratic journey. It also sends a strong signal that leadership transcends political divides and is ultimately defined by service to the nation.
According to Manhyia, President Mahama is being honoured for his role in sustaining and advancing key peace processes, particularly the Dagbon conflict resolution initiative which he inherited and supported through Otumfuo’s mediation committee before leaving office in 2017.
He is also credited with overseeing the successful conclusion of the Bawku mediation process, culminating in the submission of a final report by the Asantehene.
In addition, his administration accepted a reconciliation roadmap and established a GH¢1 billion Bawku Revitalisation Fund aimed at restoring stability and development in the area.
Former President Akufo-Addo is being recognised for his role in consolidating peace in Dagbon during his tenure, working closely with Otumfuo’s committee to bring finality to the long-standing chieftaincy dispute.
His administration’s flagship Free Senior High School policy, which significantly expanded access to education nationwide, is also cited as a landmark achievement, with global institutions such as the World Bank describing it as one of the most impactful social interventions in the history.
For former President Kufuor, the honour acknowledges his foundational role in initiating the Dagbon peace process, laying the groundwork for its eventual resolution years later.
His tenure is also remembered for the introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and other social protection programmes, as well as his leadership during the participation in the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative, which resulted in substantial debt relief and economic stabilisation.
The event will be chaired by renowned business leader Sam Jonah, who will also be honoured with the gold medal for his contributions to corporate leadership, youth empowerment, and national development.
Several other prominent figures are expected to receive the honour, including Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin; Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson; Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah; Bank of Ghana Governor Johnson Asiama; Ghana Gold Board CEO Sammy Gyamfi; and KGL Group Executive Chairman Alex Apau Dadey.
Also listed among awardees are Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno; Chief of Defence Staff William Agyapong; Chairman of the National Peace Council Emmanuel Kofi Fianu; President of the National House of Chiefs Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi; businessman Ibrahim Mahama; Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga; and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, alongside several diplomats and corporate leaders.
Held under the theme “Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development Through Royal Vision,” the dinner will also host distinguished international guests, including Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Commonwealth Secretary General, as Special Guest of Honour.
Royal dignitaries such as Ogiame Atuwatse III, Olu of Warri in Nigeria and wife, Olori Atuwatse III are also expected to attend.
The ceremony is set to reinforce Otumfuo’s long-standing reputation as a unifying figure and a pillar of peace, while celebrating leadership that has shaped the stability and development across different political eras.
