“Peace and unity are the very foundation upon which tourism thrives. Without peace, there can be no true tourism. Without unity, there can be no real development.”
— Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Republic of Ghana
The African Leadership Organisation (ALO), through its flagship platform, African Leadership Magazine (ALM), has selected Accra, Ghana, as the host city for the 15th African Persons of the Year (POTY) Awards, scheduled for 27–28 February 2026. Under the theme “Leadership for a New Africa: Forging Our Peace, Owning Our Narrative,” the event will honour transformative leaders whose vision, innovation, and integrity continue to shape Africa’s progress in governance, business, and society. Ghana’s selection reflects its growing reputation as a beacon of political stability, Pan African pride, cultural richness, and economic dynamism, making it an ideal venue for Africa’s most prestigious leadership gala.
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Why Ghana Was Chosen
1. Model of Political Stability and Democratic Maturity
Ghana’s democratic credentials are among the continent’s strongest. Since 1992, the nation has maintained consistent peaceful transitions of power, a rarity in the region. With a ranking of 61st on the Global Peace Index and 7th in Sub Saharan Africa, Ghana provides a secure and predictable environment for high level conferences and dignitary attendance. For an event centred on forging peace, Ghana’s democratic stability sends a powerful message about leadership, trust, and sustained nation building.
2. Symbol of Pan African Heritage and Cultural Pride
As the first sub Saharan African country to secure independence in 1957, Ghana holds deep symbolic significance in the Pan African story. The legacies of founding fathers like Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and the historical sites linked to the trans Atlantic heritage draw thinkers, leaders, and global citizens alike. Hosting POTY in Ghana aligns with the Awards’ mission to celebrate leaders who not only shape Africa’s future but also honour its collective past.
3. Robust Tourism and World Class Event Infrastructure
Ghana’s tourism sector continues to expand impressively. In 2024, the country welcomed 1.288 million international visitors, marking a 12% year on year increase, and generated approximately $4.8 billion in tourism receipts, a major contribution to GDP. With luxury hotels, international conference venues, and modern service standards found in properties such as the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel and Kempinski Gold Coast City, Accra offers the infrastructure needed to host events of POTY’s scale with comfort and excellence.
4. Thriving Economy and Business Ecosystem
Accra’s ecosystem is increasingly recognised as a hub for business and innovation. With a projected 2.5–3% GDP growth in 2026 and strong MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) activity, the city is strategically positioned to host an audience of CEOs, investors, policymakers, and social impact pioneers. POTY’s blend of leadership celebration and economic dialogue finds a natural home in Ghana’s vibrant commercial environment.
5. Proven Capabilities in Hosting Major International Events
Ghana has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to deliver large-scale events professionally. The African Games 2023 (held in 2024) brought together thousands of athletes, officials, and global media, and boosted tourism by an estimated 10–15%. The country’s organisational experience and hospitality standards set a strong precedent for an equally seamless POTY Awards.
6. Strategic Accessibility and Connectivity
Located at the heart of West Africa, Ghana is easily reachable by air from major African and global cities. Kotoka International Airport handles over 3 million passengers annually, and visa-on-arrival policies for many nationalities make travel both convenient and inviting. With significant diaspora links roughly 22% of visitors travel to Ghana to visit family and friends, the nation’s accessibility enhances attendance and participation.
7. Signature Cultural and Hospitality Excellence
Ghana’s welcoming spirit encapsulated in the local greeting “Akwaaba” (meaning welcome), elevates the experience for international guests. Cultural festivals, artisan markets, music, and community interactions enrich any visit. Low crime rates against visitors and proactive peacebuilding interventions ensure that participants enjoy both safety and memorable engagement throughout their stay.
8. Strong Government and Institutional Backing
Support from the Government of Ghana, tourism authorities, and institutional partners ensures reliable event logistics and infrastructure support. The country’s investment in travel, tourism, and cultural industries, reflected in its $4.8 billion tourism revenue in 2024, signals strong national commitment to positioning Ghana as a global stage for prestigious honours like POTY.
9. Safety, Security, and Peaceful Environment
Accra and Ghana at large are consistently ranked among Africa’s safest cities, with minimal extremism risk and robust security protocols. For an event attended by Heads of State, Ministers, CEOs, and global dignitaries, such a risk-averse environment is fundamental. Ghana’s peaceful context allows leaders to convene confidently, engage in dialogue, and share ideas freely.
10. Opportunity for Economic and Social Impact
Hosting POTY brings with it not just prestige but measurable social and economic impact. Beyond tourism revenue and increased GDP contribution, the event amplifies Ghana’s role in continental leadership narratives. With strong diaspora engagement and wide global media reach, Ghana’s hosting of POTY reinforces unity, inspires youth across Africa, and positions the country as a model of leadership excellence.
A True Story: Ghana’s Event-Hosting Legacy
Ghana’s successful organisation of the African Games 2023 serves as a testament to its hosting capabilities. Welcoming over 5,000 athletes, thousands of officials, and extensive international media coverage, the event strengthened tourism and infrastructure while showcasing Ghana’s ability to deliver memorable, large-scale global events. This legacy informs expectations for POTY 2026, where Africa’s foremost leaders will gather in a setting that reflects professionalism, hospitality, and peace.
About African Persons of the Year (POTY) Awards
The African Persons of the Year (POTY) Awards, often dubbed the “African Oscars of Leadership,” recognise Africa’s most visionary leaders and changemakers. Now in its 15th edition, POTY is organised by African Leadership Magazine (ALM) to honour individuals whose achievements in governance, business, and society define Africa’s progress. The event brings together Presidents, Ministers, CEOs, Diplomats, Innovators, and Thought Leaders under one roof, blending gala celebrations, cinematic storytelling, and rich cultural showcases to chronicle a new era of African leadership.
Beyond awards, POTY serves as a strategic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and impact. Through forums like the New Africa Leadership Roundtable, African Banking & Economic Leadership Forum, Education for African Prosperity Dialogue, and Peace, Governance & Security Leadership Dialogue, the event provides leaders with opportunities to share insights, shape policy, and drive transformative change across the continent.
POTY also celebrates African culture and creativity, offering red-carpet experiences, live Afro-jazz performances, dance-theatre showcases, and cinematic tributes that highlight the continent’s achievements. Through initiatives like the ALM Legacy Film and Legacy Wall of Honour, the Awards preserve and promote the stories of Africa’s trailblazers, ensuring their contributions inspire current and future generations.
With an international media reach of over 50 million impressions, live coverage and high-profile participation, POTY not only celebrates leadership but also amplifies Africa’s narrative globally, reinforcing the continent’s influence, innovation, and vision for a new era of unity and progress.
By choosing Ghana as the host country, ALO highlights a nation that exemplifies peace, unity, heritage, and forward momentum. The 2026 POTY Awards will not only celebrate outstanding leadership but will also reinforce Ghana’s legacy as a global stage for transformative impact, where Africa’s story continues to be written with confidence, courage, and collective pride.
