Joseph Wemakor receives the Africa Peace Advocate Awards 2023

The International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA) has proclaimed Joseph Kobla Wemakor as one of its recipients of the prestigious Africa Peace Advocate Awards 2023.

He was recognized among over 30 exceptional Ghanaian individuals who have dedicated themselves to promoting peace in their communities and beyond.

Known for his remarkable endeavours and continuous efforts in the direction of maintaining and extending peace in Africa, Wemakor has now been duly recognized and acclaimed globally.

Joseph Kobla Wemakor is a renowned Ghanaian peace activist, dedicated humanitarian, and influential journalist. He is also the founder and executive director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), an NGO committed to fighting for the rights of marginalized groups in society.

Acknowledged for his virtue of deep conviction for peace, Wemakor has consistently initiated and led movements towards selfless service and goodwill undertakings.

The IAWPA's newly granted honour signifies a landmark and colossal achievement in Wemakor’s relentless journey of fostering peace and understanding among communities.

The effort dedicated by Wemakor in peace advocacy across Africa and beyond has been enormous and of profound significance.

With his robust journalistic background, he has used words as his tool to mould, shape, and inspire the minds of the masses.

Wemakor believes in the sanctity of the pen as a force that combats situations of conflict, unrest, and animosity prevalent in numerous African communities.

The Africa Peace Advocate Awards, a headline initiative from IAWPA, has been instrumental in recognizing peace advocates who have made exceptional contributions to promote peace and harmony. The award encapsulates the very spirit of humanity and acknowledges the relentless efforts of peace advocates worldwide.

Wemakor’s recognition by IAWPA underscores his persistent work, including formulating and implementing strategies and programs for conflict resolution, promoting peaceful co-existence, and empowering the youth towards progressive and peaceful journeys. More than just an honour, this award is a testament to his continued dedication towards creating a harmonious and peaceful African society.

This award brings the total number of notable honors received by Wemakor this year to three. The Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network, based in Kampala, Uganda, was the first organization to be moved by his extraordinary accomplishments and nominated him on February 17, 2023, for the prestigious AfricanDefenders Shield Award, which honors people who work to advance and defend human rights in Africa.

On July 15, 2023, the Entreps, International Board of Global Actors, and Business for Sustainability in Costa Rica gave him, along with his platform, the most prestigious 5th UN Global Entreps Awards for their outstanding contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This was followed by widespread recognition.

Prior to that, his relentless advocacy work had been acknowledged, which led to the selection of his platform, the Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), as one of the 10 finalists for the 2020 Africans Rising Activism Awards' Movement of the Year Award. The only group to represent Ghana on the continent was HRRG, which placed fourth in the finals.

Again, on November 13, 2021, he received an honorary award for peace, security, and education from the Transformational Empowerment and Rural Integration Africa Foundation, an NGO, at the inaugural Africa Early Education Award (AECEA) ceremony for his outstanding work on peacebuilding initiatives across the continent.

His excellence in human rights advocacy and defence was recognized by a global media outlet, "Business Woman Magazine," based in Ukraine, on October 17, 2020. He was chosen to be featured in its glossy pages alongside a number of notable individuals, diplomats, activists, and business leaders who have an impact on lives on a global level.

The IAWPA’s high commendation for the Human Rights Reporters Ghana’s boss equally highlights its commitment to acknowledging outstanding individuals striving to maintain peace.

The Association aims to foster global peace and harmony through interdisciplinary and cross-cultural communication. By acknowledging peace defenders like Joseph Kobla Wemakor, the IAWPA hopes to inspire many others to take up the mantle of peace advocacy in their respective societies.

In accepting the impressive honour from the United Nations Eminent Peace Ambassador and Country Director for the International Association of World Peace Advocates, Dr. Samuel Ben Owusu, the humble peace advocate emphasized that the recognition would further invigorate his objectives and dedication towards realizing a peaceful and united Africa.

His vision, characterized by relentless optimism, revolves around seeing a continent free from conflict, where every individual lives in harmony and peace.

The Africa Peace Advocate Awards 2023 offers a felicitous platform for champions of peace like Joseph Kobla Wemakor. Notably, it underscores their significance in harmonizing and consolidating peace in the African continent and the wider world in general.

It is the hope that this honour will inspire younger generations to contribute towards creating an environment of peace and co-existence.

The unwavering efforts and endeavours of peace advocates like Wemakor are indeed commendable and noteworthy.

The Africa Peace Advocate Awards and IAWPA’s honour of Wemakor is a step towards acknowledging such unyielding efforts.

His actions and contributions are a beacon of hope and a reminder that upholding peace, much like justice, is a collective effort that should be honored and celebrated.