The award ceremony, held at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City on September 23, 2024, celebrated President Akufo-Addo alongside global leaders including Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Korean media pioneer Miky Lee.

In his acceptance speech, President Akufo-Addo emphasized that the award was not just a personal achievement but one that belongs to the people of Ghana. “This moment is not just about me—it’s about the people of Ghana, who inspire me with their resilience, strength, and unwavering belief in a brighter future,” he remarked, praising the Ghanaian people as “true global citizens.”

He highlighted the importance of international collaboration, stating that no nation can tackle the world’s challenges alone. “In today’s interconnected world, no nation can stand alone. Our future, as Ghanaians, as Africans, and as members of a global family, depends on our ability to work together and lift each other up,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo was introduced by Kenyan President William Ruto, who praised his leadership as part of a new wave of African governance aimed at elevating the continent on the global stage. 

President Akufo-Addo celebrated this shared vision, emphasizing the need for Africa’s growing role in global affairs.

Reflecting on his presidency, Akufo-Addo underscored the progress made in strengthening Ghana’s democratic institutions and expanding opportunities for its people, while acknowledging the vital role of global partnerships. 

He also commended the strong relationship between Ghana and the United States, describing it as a partnership rooted in shared values and a commitment to democracy and human rights.

While expressing gratitude for the recognition, Akufo-Addo framed the award as a call to action. He urged the international community to confront global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and political instability, and called for unity in combating terrorism and extremism, which threaten the security of West Africa and beyond.

As his presidency nears its end, President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed his commitment to the values of democracy, justice, and global citizenship.

Quoting poet John Donne, he concluded his speech by emphasizing the interconnectedness of all people, saying, “No man is an island... Every man is a piece of the continent, A part of the main.”

The Atlantic Council’s Global Citizen Award is given annually to leaders who demonstrate a visionary commitment to global progress.

Read President Akufo-Addo's entire speech below;

NANA ADDO DANKWA AKUFO-ADDO: Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I’m deeply moved and profoundly grateful to receive this Atlantic Council Global Citizen Award. This moment cannot just be about me. It is about the people of Ghana who inspire me with their resilience, their strength, and unwavering belief in a brighter future. They are the true global citizens and I accept this award on their behalf.

Being in the company of such accomplished individuals—Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy, and media pioneer Nikki Lee of Korea—humbles me.

I’m particularly honoured that my good friend President William Ruto of Kenya has presented me for this award. He represents the new generation of African leadership that holds such promise for our continent.

This recognition reminds me that as president of Ghana my leadership has been deeply shaped by the principles of unity, democracy, and the shared global responsibility.

In today’s interconnected world no nation can stand alone. Our future as Ghanaians, as Africans, and as members of a global family depends on our ability to work together and lift each other up.

Throughout my presidency I’ve seen firsthand the power of collaboration. We face challenges, yes, but we have also achieved significant progress, from strengthening our democratic institutions to expanding opportunities for our citizens.

But none of this would have been possible without the support and collective effort of the Ghanaian people who wake up every day and give their best for their families, their communities, and their nation.

Receiving this award is not a conclusion. It is a call to action. It is a reminder that the work of building a more just and equitable world is far from over. The challenges we face whether it is climate change, political stability, widening inequality or terrorism are global in nature and they require global solutions.

I’m proud of the partnership between Ghana and the United States of America which has been built on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to democratic principles. Together we have made real progress in advancing human rights and the rule of law but there’s still so much more we can do and achieve as long as we remain united, especially at this time when terrorism and violent extremism are threatening to submerge West Africa and, indeed, the rest of the world in darkness and tyranny.

As I near the end of my time as president I do so with a full heart, knowing that I’ve given my all to serve my people and my nation. But my commitment to the ideals of democracy, justice, and global citizenship will not end when I leave office.

I’ll continue to advocate for these values because they are the key to a future where every person has a chance to thrive regardless of where they are born.

I believe all of this is best summed up by the greatest of English metaphysical poets of the seventeenth century, John Donne, when he made the famous pronouncement “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.”

To the Atlantic Council, thank you for this honor. To my fellow honorees, I extend my warmest congratulations and respect, and to everyone here tonight let us leave this room with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that when we work together we can create a brighter world for all.

I thank you for your attention.