By: Hannah Dadzie
The Diaspora Summit 2025 has ended in Accra with the conferment of the Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Diaspora Awards, recognising distinguished Africans and people of African descent whose work spans justice, academia, business, sports, arts and social impact.
Among the global honourees were Otumfuo Osei Tutu, who received the award for Heritage Excellence, renowned civil rights lawyer Benjamin Lloyd Crump, honoured for Justice for Black People, and boxing legend Azumah Nelson, who was recognised for sportsmanship.
Speaking at the Gala and Dinner and Awards in Accra, Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the awardees embodied the resilience, creativity and capacity of Black people to excel globally, reaffirming Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s assertion that Africans are capable of managing their own affairs.
The Minister who highlighted the presence of civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, said his success in securing massive settlements for victims of systemic violence serves as a deterrent to those who devalue Black lives.
“The next time they think about pointing that gun at a Black life, they will remember Benjamin Crump,” the Minister said.
Mr. Ablakwa used the occasion to reiterate Ghana’s resolve to lead a united continental and diaspora-driven push for reparative justice, describing the summit as a powerful demonstration of global African solidarity.
Over the two days, summit speakers and participants strongly rejected narratives that seek to blame Africans for the transatlantic slave trade, describing such claims as deliberate attempts to divide the global African family and weaken the pursuit of justice. The Gala and Dinner and Awards night which was organized at the Banquet Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recognised individuals whose achievements reflect excellence and service to Black communities worldwide.
Mr Ablakwa urged participants to sustain the unity built over the period and translate it into tangible action for Africa’s transformation. He expressed confidence that a united Africa and diaspora will succeed in the global quest for justice.
The event served as a platform to recognize individuals who embody the “indomitable spirit” of the diaspora. The Awards were in three categories, Global, Africa amd Ghana categories.
In all 21 award recipients were, Other awardee included, founder of Ashesi University, Patrick Awuah, who was recognised for excellence in academia, and Rev Alfred Charles Sharpton received a lifetime achievement award. Business magnate Aliko Dangote was awarded for global business excellence, with former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson recognised for indomitable spirit.
Awards were also presented to celebrated musician Kojo Antwi as Music Legend, Black Sherif for Music and Sound Excellence, filmmaker Kwaw Ansah for Film, Television and Theatre, renowned painter Professor Ablade Glover for Visual Arts, and fashion house Christie Brown for Fashion and Textile Excellence.
A Global Legal Pursuit
Looking ahead, the Minister confirmed that Ghana will file a consequential resolution at the United Nations next year to have the transatlantic slave trade officially recognized as a crime against humanity and genocide.
The summit closed with a message of renewed energy and a promise that the Ghanaian government will stand up for its citizens and the wider diaspora whenever their dignity is threatened. “We are an unstoppable race. Victory is assured.” the Minister said
The summit ended with a call for sustained engagement, networking and practical collaboration beyond the event, as participants committed to translating dialogue into concrete action for Africa’s transformation.
Organisers described the two-day gathering as a significant step in strengthening Africa-diaspora relations and advancing the global push for justice, dignity and shared prosperity.
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