Global African Leadership Award: African bodies laud Pres Ali’s visionary leadership, commitment to nation-building

President Dr Irfaan Ali has been lauded for his visionary leadership and commitment to nation-building by several African bodies, following his acceptance of the Global African Leadership Award in Ghana on Friday.
In a statement, the Association of People of African Descent-Guyana (APAD) posited that the Head of State was deserving of such an honour.
“His commitment to building a better future for all Guyanese, including those of African descent, aligns perfectly with the Award’s values and makes him a worthy honour on the global stage,” the organisation noted.

Since taking office, it was outlined, President Ali has consistently promoted inclusivity and national unity through his “One Guyana” initiative. This framework emphasises non-discriminatory governance and actively seeks diverse perspectives for the nation’s betterment.
“This reflects a clear commitment to addressing historical racial disparities and fostering a more equitable society…President Ali’s actions have demonstrably benefited Afro-Guyanese communities. Removing VAT from water, implementing vocational training programmes, offsetting subsidies in Region 10, and reversing past discriminatory taxes have directly improved the lives of many. These steps showcase a deliberate focus on addressing long-standing inequities,” it was recalled.
Moreover, the Head of State was recognised for consistently and vocally defending the African Diaspora at both the local and international level. His advocacy for the recognition of African contributions and fight for reparative justice demonstrate a deep understanding and commitment to African advancement, said APAD.
“President Ali’s achievements extend beyond racial boundaries…His dedication to improving living standards for all citizens further validates his “One Guyana” vision,” it noted.
Another organisation, the Afro-Guyanese Union, shared that the award was a significant milestone in recognising Guyanese leadership on the global stage. The Union contended that the Guyanese leader’s tenure since 2020 has been marked by decisive transformational leadership, and under his guidance, Guyana has achieved unprecedented economic growth while conforming to the highest principles of human dignity and unity.
“His leadership has been characterised not only by domestic achievements but also by his stance on international issues, particularly his support for global reparations and restorative justice. This support underscores his commitment to addressing historical injustices and promoting a fair and equitable world order. This initiative is reflective of his broader vision of reconciliation and restoration, both within Guyana and in the larger context of global African communities.”
For the Association for Democracy and Human Rights, the prestigious accolade is a proud moment for every Guyanese. Additionally, the award recognises President Ali’s strong leadership on the Essequibo territorial controversy as a testament to his steadfastness and integrity.
“President Ali’s leadership since taking up office in August 2020 has been nothing short of transformational, steering our nation to become the fastest-growing economy globally. His dedication to principles of equity and probity resonates deeply with … all Guyanese. His vision of a unified ‘One Guyana’, transcending racial and cultural divides, is particularly laudable, since his vision aligns with our goals of promoting cultural harmony and understanding.”
In his 2020 inaugural address, President Ali introduced a “One Guyana” policy and governance framework that would underpin his presidency.
This initiative is geared towards inclusive, non-discriminatory governance as he had assured, “No government has all the answers. It is, therefore, my wish to benefit from the viewpoints of all, including our political parties, trade unions, workers, and social organisations. One Guyana is, therefore, a social contract of inclusion.”
As he accepted the Global African Leadership Award in the presence of Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo on Friday, Ali dedicated it to his ancestors who came to Guyana from Africa and fought valiantly for freedom and for the shackles of slavery to be broken.
“I want to say how pleased I am to be here and I accept this award on behalf of all our great ancestors who came from Africa and laid their bones on our shores in the name of freedom, just to realise human dignity and achieve freedom from the worst system the world has ever seen, and that is the system of slavery,” the President declared. (G-12)