Akufo-Addo
Forbes Africa Magazine has named President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the 2021 African of the Year.
The Forbes award recognises Africans that have made an impact on the continent and at the world stage.
The latest issue of the world-acclaimed magazine released just last Friday, December 3, 2021, celebrated the contributions of the 77-year-old President Akufo-Addo.
The magazine said President Akufo-Addo has “repositioned the country in the global marketplace as one reliant on its own resources and strengths.”
In an interview with CNBC Africa, President Akufo-Addo said he was overwhelmed by the recognition by Forbes, adding, “Thanks very much for recognising the work that we are doing here in Ghana. For the African version of the magazine to pick me, I’m very grateful.”
Akufo-Addo said, the award “is an honour and it means the world is looking at the work we are doing here in Ghana. So it’s an inspiration for us and an encouragement for us to continue the path that we have set for ourselves.”
The magazine, confirming the honour done the President said, “@NAkufoAddo, Ghana’s President, has repositioned the country in the global marketplace as one reliant on its own resources and strengths. Get your copy of FORBES AFRICA and read an exclusive interview with #NanaAkufoAddo.”
Previously, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda (2018), African Development Bank President, Akinwumi Adesina (2019) and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organisation (2020), both Nigerians, were recognised by the magazine.
Visiting South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated President Akufo-Addo on his award saying “your vision for Ghana, Africa earned you Forbes’ recognition.”
“Allow me to be personal and congratulate you for being chosen as ‘African of the Year’ by Forbes Magazine. The recognition by this magazine is about your vision not only for Ghana, but also for the people of our continent as well,” President Ramaphosa said during his meeting with President Akufo-Addo, adding “We are proud of this recognition, Your Excellency, because it speaks of your commitment, it speaks of your creativity, and it speaks of your clear, strategic vision of what should happen in your own country, as well as in our beloved continent.”
President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, Akinwumi A. Adesina, also sent congratulatory message to President Akufo-Addo.
The AfDB boss in a message sent to Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin said, “I would like to warmly congratulate HE Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana, on being named Forbes Africa’s ‘African of the Year’. This is an excellent and very well-deserved honour and recognition.
“As a leader, you continue to push the boundaries of what is possible for Ghana and the people of Africa. You are an embodiment of a remarkable ‘can-do’ African spirit … a spirit of focused determination that seeks to make a difference in the lives of your people and unleash Africa’s true potential.”