In a significant recognition of their unwavering commitment to civil and human rights, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament of the Republic of Ghana, and Hon. Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu, Member of Parliament for Madina Constituency, have been named as honorees for the 2024 Jacobs-Abbey Lifetime Achievement Award.

The prestigious accolade will be conferred upon them at the 6th Annual Banquet and Awards Gala hosted by the Abbey Global Institute for Leadership Studies (Jagils) on November 9, 2024, at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center in Virginia, USA.

The Abbey Global Institute for Leadership Studies announced that Speaker Bagbin’s illustrious career as a Ghanaian politician and his exceptional service as a seven-term Member of Parliament for the Nadowli West constituency were key factors in his selection for this

“Your distinguished career as a Ghanaian politician, serving as the Minister for Health, a seven-term Member of Parliament for the Nadowli West constituency, and your current role as the Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana exemplify the leadership and dedication that Jagils holds in high esteem.”
The Abbey Global Institute for Leadership Studies (Jagils)

This prestigious award is presented to leaders who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to civil and human rights, recognizing their dedication to advancing justice, peace, and freedom for workers and community members through their daily work.

Speaker Bagbin joins a distinguished group of previous award recipients, including H.E. Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor, Vice President of the Republic of Liberia; Isabelle Vladoiu, Founder of the US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights; The Hon. Cashenna A. Cross, Mayor of the City of Glenarden; Dr. Nina L. Meyerhof, President of Children of the Earth Inc.; and Timothy Bowles, International Director of Youth for Human Rights International.

Alongside Speaker Bagbin, Hon. Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu, Member of Parliament for the Madina Constituency, has also been approved to receive a lifetime achievement recognition through the conferment of the Presidential Service Award in the USA.

This honor follows his extensive voluntary service in Ghana and various states across the USA. Hon. Sosu, a lawyer, author, and human rights activist, has been recognized for his impactful contributions to society and his relentless pursuit of justice and equality.

“Hon. Sosu rose from being a destitute street child into becoming a lawyer and human rights activist and eventually a legislator in Ghana, championing major legislative changes including abolishing the death penalty and criminalizing witchcraft accusations.”
The Abbey Global Institute for Leadership Studies (Jagils)

Hon. Sosu’s nomination for the award was made by the Jacobs-Abbey Global Institute Leadership in Virginia and received approval from the White House in June 2024.

The upcoming event at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center in Virginia will serve as a platform to honor these two distinguished Ghanaian leaders for their substantial contributions to civil and human rights. Their recognition by such a prestigious institution is a testament to their dedication and hard work in promoting justice and equality both in Ghana and internationally.

The Parliament of the Republic of Ghana expressed immense pride in the achievements of Rt. Hon. Speaker Bagbin and Hon. Sosu. Their recognition on an international stage highlights the significant impact of Ghanaian leaders in global advocacy for human rights and justice.

The awards ceremony is anticipated to be a momentous occasion, celebrating the enduring commitment of these leaders to the principles of democracy and human dignity.

As the date for the awards gala approaches, the anticipation builds not only among the honorees and their supporters but also within the broader Ghanaian community. The recognition of Rt. Hon. Speaker Bagbin and Hon. Sosu serve as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that dedication to public service and human rights can lead to international acknowledgment and appreciation.

The conferment of the 2024 Jacobs-Abbey Lifetime Achievement Award to Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin and Hon. Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu is a noteworthy accolade that celebrates their significant contributions to the fields of civil and human rights. The Parliament of the Republic of Ghana, along with the global community, looks forward to celebrating these exemplary leaders at the awards gala in Alexandria, Virginia.