Mr Josephe Kobla Wemakor, a renowned journalist, socialist, and a human right activist has been conferred with Honorary Doctorate award by the International Kingdom University, Florida, USA for his exemplary leadership and humanitarian services.
He was honoured at the 26th edition of the Global Humanitarian and Ministerial Excellence Award 2024 held at the Executive Community Church at Kasoa-Opeikuma in the Central Region.
The event was on the theme: “Naming and Honouring Our Leaders and Citizens Who have Touched and Impacted Lives in Our 21st Century.”
Mr Wemakor was among 16 awardees selected by the Selecting Committee of the University Board of Regents from 100 nominees.
He received a citation, a plaque, and honorary certificate presented by Archbishop General Obenfo, George Slezer Ofori-Atah, Primate/Prelate of the Council of World Bishops and Clergies.
The selection committee in its remarks said, “We consider it worthwhile to officially confer this honour upon you after a careful study and monitoring of your lifestyle and social work for the development of your community and nation as a Journalist, Socialist, and Human Right Advocate.”
It commended Mr Wemakor for his dedication to youth empowerment and capacity building, asserting that, “he is a noble personality with integrity who deserves this great highest academic achievement.”
Highlighting the awardee’s character, the committee noted, “He has proven a high level of faithfulness as a citizen. He deserves an accolade of Honorary Doctoral in Doctor of Executive Leadership in Humanity (DEL).”
Reverend Dr Christian Heim, the Vice Chancellor of the International Kingdom University (IKU) in a speech said the theme reflected on the University’s commitment to recognising excellence and service, stating, “We believe in honouring the living rather than the deceased.”
He appealed to the Ghanaian government, philanthropies, and well-meaning individuals to support the University to establish permanent campus in Ghana.
“We are seeking land acquisition to build a state-of-the-art campus that will provide quality education, research, and community development opportunities for people of Ghana and beyond,” he stated.
Rev Dr Heim expressed gratitude to Professor Hayford Tweneboah-Koduah, Global Academic Dean, and Apostle Dr Edward Ofori Nti, Global Dean of Students, Ghana, both of IKU for their dedication in promoting the award project in Ghana.
Mr Wemakor is an influential journalist, a staunch advocate of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), youth leader and a dedicated supporter of women’s and children’s rights.
He is the Founder and Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), a media advocacy organisation that unites journalists, editors, lawyers, and human rights activists in the pursuit of advancing human rights.
He is also the Convenor of the Ghana Civil Society Organisations Platform on SDGs (Youth sub-platform)
As an honorary graduate of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) and a fellow of the Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa Financial Journalism Programme, Mr Wemakor has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to social justice and ethical journalism.
Mr Wemakor in an interview with the Ghana News Agency thanked the International Kingdom University for the honour done him and urged the youth to exhibit the habit of integrity, commitment, and tenacity in whatever enterprise they may found themselves to achieve greater height.
Source: GNA
