Ghana to host Mo Ibrahim awards in November

Ghana will host the 8th edition of the Mo Ibrahim African Leadership awards in November 2014.

This was revealed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hannah Tetteh, after a meeting between President John Dramani Mahama and Sudanese Billionaire, Mo Ibrahim.

The African Leadership awards is to recognize and celebrate African leaders who have developed their countries, lifted citizens out of poverty and paved the way for sustainable and equitable prosperity.

It comprises of an initial payment of $5 million, plus $200,000 a year for life.

Briefing the press about the upcoming event, Hannah Tetteh revealed that the awards ceremony would comprise the Mo Ibrahim governance index and a charity ball to raise funds to support charity organizations on the African continent.

“It is certainly going to bring innovation and entertainment to our shores in November of this year,” she said.

Details of Previous winners of the Mo-Ibrahim award

• In 2007, the inaugural Prize was awarded to former president Joaquim Chisano of Mozambique, for “his role in leading Mozambique from conflict to peace and democracy.”Nelson Mandela was also made an Honorary Laureate in recognition of his extraordinary leadership qualities and achievements.

• In 2008 Festus Mogae, former leader of Botswana, won the Ibrahim Prize. Kofi Annan stated: “President Mogae’s outstanding leadership has ensured Botswana’s continued stability and prosperity in the face of an HIV/AIDS pandemic, which threatened the future of his country and people.” Both awards ceremonies were held in the Egyptian city of Alexandria.

• In 2009, the Prize Committee did not select a winner. The controversial decision came following the consideration of “credible candidates” and was interpreted by many as a laudable act in establishing a standard of credibility for the Prize.

• In 2010, the Prize Committee decided not to award the prize. Dr. Ibrahim said that “the purpose of the Foundation is to challenge those in Africa and the world to debate what constitutes excellence in leadership. The standards set for the prize are high, and the number of eligible candidates small. So it is always likely that there will be years when no prize is awarded.”

In 2011, the Prize was awarded to Pedro Pires, former president of Cape Verde. Salim Ahmed Salim, Chair of the Prize Committee, presented President Pires with the award at a prize ceremony in Tunis, Tunisia. On the evening before the ceremony, the Foundation organised a music concert with the theme ‘Africa Celebrates Democracy’ to mark the events in Tunisia that inspired the Arab Spring. Artists including Youssou N’Dour, Angelique Kidjo, Bendir Man and Lotfi Abdelli performed and all the proceeds were given to the Tunisian Red Crescent.