His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, will be honored with the International Statesperson Award by the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia during a landmark visit on March 27, 2026.
This comes after US-based Lincoln University announced that it will confer an honourary doctorate on Mr Mahama next week.
It means President Mahama will receive two honours within the same week.
World Affairs Council Award
The award, the organization’s highest honor, recognizes global leaders whose work advances democracy, peace, and international cooperation.
The event, hosted in partnership with the U.S.-Ghana Chamber of Commerce, will take place at The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring a special luncheon and award presentation.
The International Statesperson Award, first presented in 1973, has previously recognized prominent figures including Mikhail Gorbachev, Tony Blair, Bono, and Anwar Sadat.
The accolade celebrates leaders who have made a lasting impact on world affairs.
“President Mahama is deeply deserving of this recognition as a leader who has shaped the world for the better,” said Lauren Swartz, President & CEO of the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia.
The award highlights Philadelphia’s longstanding role in international engagement and underscores the city’s connections to global leaders.
President Mahama, who expressed gratitude for the honor, said, “I accept it on behalf of the people of Ghana and reaffirm our nation’s commitment to democratic values, international cooperation, and partnerships that advance peace and shared prosperity.”
Throughout his career, President Mahama has championed democratic governance, regional stability, and global engagement.
His influence extends across West Africa through his involvement with ECOWAS and other regional initiatives.
Domestically, he made history by becoming the first Ghanaian president to be elected to a non-consecutive second term in December 2024.
Philadelphia’s ties with Ghana are multifaceted. Ghana is a major West African economy and trade partner, accounting for an estimated $2.5 billion in U.S. goods trade in 2025, with exports growing over 32%.
Cultural and educational exchanges further strengthen the relationship, including trips by the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale and students from the Global Leadership Academy to Ghana.
Philadelphia is also home to a vibrant Ghanaian diaspora, and the Ghanaian national soccer team is set to compete in the city during the FIFA World Cup 26.
The recognition reflects both President Mahama’s international leadership and the growing economic, cultural, and educational partnerships between Ghana and the United States.
Source: myxyzonline.com
