The Diaspora African Forum (DAF) has recognized seven persons at its prestigious VVIP Bridge Builders Award ceremony on March 1st, 2024.
The awards night was held at the African Regent Hotel. The event honored exceptional personalities whose contributions have been pivotal in bridging the gap between Africa and the African Diaspora.
This year, DAF bestowed honors upon seven outstanding African and Diaspora leaders who have dedicated themselves to the mission of bridging the gap between Africa and the Diaspora.
H.E. John Agyekum Kufuor
H.E. John Agyekum Kufuor, who served as the President of Ghana from 2001 to 2008, was acknowledged for his pivotal role in driving Ghana’s economic growth during his tenure. Under his leadership, Ghana achieved remarkable milestones, including attaining Middle-Income status well ahead of schedule and sustaining impressive GDP growth rates, even amidst global financial challenges.
H.E. John Agyekum Kufuor
Moreover, Kufuor’s advocacy for the inclusion of the African Diaspora in Africa’s development, notably during the 2002 OAU Summit, was instrumental in the recognition of the Diaspora as the “6th Region of Africa.” His visionary leadership continues to inspire efforts towards pan-African integration and socio-economic transformation.
Mr. Alex Dadey
A visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist, Mr. Alex Dadey’s initiatives have significantly contributed to diaspora engagement and investment in Ghana. His leadership in organizing the Ghana Diaspora Homecoming Summit and the Ghana Investment and Opportunities Summit UK underscores his commitment to fostering economic development and partnerships.
From left, H.E. Dr. Erieka Bennett, Mr. Alex Dadey with his award and Dr. Toni Yvonne Luck
Dr. Edem Adzogenu
Co-founder of AfroChampions, Dr. Edem Adzogenu’s advocacy for public-private partnerships and African integration has been instrumental in driving socioeconomic transformation across the continent. His leadership has facilitated the mobilization of significant investments into community-friendly projects and innovative financing instruments, contributing to Africa’s development agenda.
Dr. Edem Adzogenu in the middle receiving his award at the event
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa
A distinguished parliamentarian and advocate for diaspora affairs, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s legislative contributions have been instrumental in championing the rights and welfare of Nigerians abroad. Her pioneering role as the Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) underscores her commitment to fostering diaspora engagement and promoting Nigeria’s interests globally.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa in the middle receiving her award at the event
Mr. Akwasi Agyeman
CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), instrumental in spearheading Ghana’s successful Year of Return project and championing initiatives to realize Ghana’s tourism.
Mr. Akwasi Agyeman in the middle with his award at the event
Ms. Hanna Atiase
CEO, E. Wells Realty and Consultancy, a leading figure in Ghana’s real estate sector, facilitating diaspora investment and fostering homeownership opportunities.
Ms. Hanna Atiase with her award at the event
Mrs. Oshunbumi Fernandez-West
CEO, ODUNDE, a cultural icon and entrepreneur dedicated to promoting African and African American culture, recognized for her outstanding contributions to cultural enrichment and education.
Mrs. Oshunbumi Fernandez-West at the even
The event, organized by the Diaspora African Forum, aimed to acknowledge and celebrate exceptional African and Diaspora leaders for their remarkable achievements. Dr. Erieka Bennett, the Founder and Head of Mission for DAF, along with Dr. Toni Luck, Co-founder for DAF, expressed pride in honoring such iconic personalities, continuing the tradition of recognizing exemplary individuals who have made significant impacts globally.
Over the past eight years, the DAF Builders Awards have recognized esteemed figures from around the world, including iconic leaders such as Xernona Clayton, H.E. Joyce Banda, H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and H.E. Nana Akufo Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, among others, for their outstanding contributions to society.
About DAF
The Diaspora African Forum (DAF) is an African Union (AU) endorsed non-profit organization opened on July 7, 2001 by H.E. President J.A.Kufuor. DAF was and remains the first and only African Diaspora organization in the world with diplomatic status enabling DAF to accomplish groundbreaking work in Diaspora advocacy at the highest levels of government in Ghana and Africa in general.
SOURCE: Eunice Adjei