- Business mogul Sir Sam Jonah hailed the joint honouring of Ghana's three former and current presidents by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as a definitive message that statesmanship must always prevail over partisan victory.
- The three leaders - President John Dramani Mahama, former President Nana Akufo-Addo, and former President John Agyekum Kufuor - were awarded gold medals at the 'World-Meets-in-Ghana' Executive Gala held at the Manhyia Palace on Friday, April 24.
- The event marked the 27th enstoolment anniversary of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and brought together high-level dignitaries, policymakers, and members of the Ghanaian diaspora under the theme of advancing peace and sustainable development.
The 'World-Meets-in-Ghana' Executive Gala was a momentous occasion that celebrated enduring leadership across political eras and reinforced the importance of national unity. The event was graced by Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey as the Special Guest of Honour, underscoring the significance of the gathering.
In his stirring commentary, Sir Sam Jonah framed the moment as a celebration of service to the nation, highlighting the individual contributions of each leader to Ghana's stability and development. He noted that the joint honouring of the three leaders by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II carries profound symbolic weight, sending a clear message that statesmanship is not about partisan victory but about continuing enduring contributions to peace, prosperity, and national development.
Recognising Distinct Contributions
Sir Jonah highlighted the distinct contributions of each leader to Ghana's stability and development. He noted that President Mahama continued the Dagbon peace process, established the 1 billion cedis for the Bawku Revitalisation Fund, stabilised the cedi, and drew deep respect for traditional authority. He also praised former President Akufo-Addo for achieving lasting peace in Dagbon and delivering a transformative pre-SHS policy that the World Bank called one of the most impactful in Ghana's history.
For former President Kufuor, Sir Jonah noted that he initiated the Dagbon peace process, introduced a national health insurance scheme, and sailed Ghana through an HIPC, cancelling billions in debt and stabilising the economy. These contributions, Sir Jonah stressed, reflect the enduring legacy of the three leaders and their commitment to national development.
A Message of Unity from the Throne
The decision by the Asantehene to honour the three leaders together carries profound symbolic weight, according to Sir Jonah. By honouring them jointly, Otumfuo is sending a clear message, louder than any speech, that statesmanship is not about partisan victory. It is about continuing enduring contributions to peace, prosperity, and national development.
The event underscored Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's long-standing role as a unifying national figure and advocate for peace. In 2019, the revered traditional ruler addressed the United Nations High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace, reinforcing his global standing in conflict resolution and diplomacy.
Looking Ahead
The Executive Gala forms part of activities marking the Asantehene's 27 years on the Golden Stool, a reign widely credited with strengthening traditional governance, promoting national cohesion, and elevating Ghana's diplomatic and cultural influence. Beyond the ceremonial honours, the evening's message resonated with Ghana's progress built not on isolated achievements but on a continuum of leadership, each era laying foundations for the next.
