The Rt. Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin, Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana, was awarded the prestigious Jacobs-Abbey Global Institute for Leadership Studies (JAGILS) Lifetime Achievement Award on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the organization’s Annual Gala and Awards Dinner in Alexandria, Virginia, USA.
The theme, “Transforming Learners into Leaders,” struck a chord as the Rt. Hon. Speaker took the stage to deliver a captivating address that championed the power of education to shape future generations of change-makers.
“We live in an era where the complexities of global challenges demand leaders who are not just knowledgeable and intelligent but also leaders who understand the current realities and can see into the future,” Bagbin said in his keynote speech. “Leaders who are moulded and equipped with skills and competencies to drive sustainable change.”
The Rt. Hon. Speaker’s unwavering commitment to nurturing transformative leaders has been a hallmark of his distinguished career, which spans decades of service as a Member of Parliament, Minister of State, and now, the esteemed position of Speaker of the Ghanaian Parliament.
In recognition of his visionary leadership and his pivotal role in shaping the future of Ghana and the global community, the JAGILS Board of Trustees unanimously decided to confer the organization’s highest honour, the Lifetime Achievement Award, upon the Rt. Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin.
“The Rt. Hon. Speaker’s dedication to empowering learners and transforming them into leaders is truly inspirational,” said Ms. Juliana Ama Kplorfia, Chairperson of the JAGILS Board of Trustees. “His unwavering commitment to education, ethics, and sustainable development aligns perfectly with our institute’s mission to nurture global leaders who can tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.”
During the ceremony, the Rt. Hon. Speaker also presented a citation of honour from the Office of the Speaker of Parliament of Ghana. Professor Dr. Samuel Jacobs-Abbey, the Executive Director, received it on behalf of JAGILS. The Rt. Hon. Speaker also presented a seal of Parliament to Dr. Joan Henry-Fields, Dr. Nina L. Meyerhof, Dr. Cashanna A. Cross, Professor Dr. Samuel Jacobs-Abbey, and Professor Edward Atuahene for their outstanding contributions to global leadership and education.
The Rt. Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin’s remarkable journey from a learner to a transformative leader serves as an inspiration to aspiring leaders around the world. His story underscores the importance of investing in education and fostering an environment that empowers individuals to harness their full potential and drive positive change.
“Education has always been more than acquiring knowledge; it is a pathway to self-reliance, innovation, and empowerment,” Bagbin emphasized in his address. “Together, our collaboration has the potential to redefine what it means to educate a generation.”
The Rt. Hon. Speaker’s recognition at the JAGILS Awards Gala is a testament to his lasting legacy and unwavering commitment to shaping a future where learners from all backgrounds can become leaders who reshape the world.
The Jacobs-Abbey Global Institute for Leadership Studies (JAGILS) also used the occasion to unveil its 2025 Summer Institute, which will be held at the prestigious North University Centre in Baia Mare, Romania. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in JAGILS’ global outreach and commitment to fostering leadership across continents.
“This collaboration represents a significant step in our journey to empower leaders globally,” said Professor Dr. Samuel Jacobs-Abbey, the Executive Director of JAGILS. “We are confident that this Summer Institute will provide an unparalleled experience for all participants, combining JAGILS’ leadership expertise with the rich academic tradition of North University Centre in Baia Mare.”
The event was attended by a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, including Hon. Francis Xavier Sosu, Member of Parliament of Ghana representing the Madina Constituency, Dr. Cashanna A. Cross, the Mayor of the City of Glenarden, Dr. Nina L. Meyerhof, President of Children of the Earth Inc. and Co-Founder of One Humanity Institute, as well as officials from the U.S. State Department and representatives from the Ghana Mission to the United States.
During the ceremony, several other individuals were recognized for their outstanding contributions to global leadership and social justice. Joel Hyde, Lauret Barkers-Woode, Joseph Teye-Koffi, and Naa Klokor Clottey received the JAGILS Citation of Honor, while Cecelia Quarshie and Ernest Appiah were awarded the Dr. Nina L. Meyerhof Leadership Award for their work in fighting for social justice across the globe.
Ms. Doreen Kajumba, Prashant Chawla, and Sean Paramalingam were recognized with the Timothy Bowles African Human Rights Leadership Award, and H.E. Rev. Patrick McCollum received the Bishop John K. Yambasu Global Peace Leadership Award.
The event also saw the presentation of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Honor for Volunteer Service to Kwabena Sarpong, Juliana Ama Kplorfia, Aaron Aboagye, Mark Aggrey, Hon. Francis Xavier Sosu, Naa Kordee Jacobs-Abbey, and Professor Jared A. Onyari.
As the Rt. Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin accepted his Lifetime Achievement Award, he reminded the audience of the transformative power of education and the urgent need to nurture a generation of leaders who can navigate the complexities of our interconnected world.
“Let us therefore strive to build an educational ecosystem that not only nurtures intellectual growth but also fosters the moral and ethical development of our youth,” Bagbin emphasized. “We must aspire to create a future where the next generation—be it in Accra or Washington—will emerge as thought leaders, problem-solvers, and global citizens who can contribute meaningfully to the progress of humanity.”
The Rt. Hon. Speaker’s recognition at the JAGILS Awards Gala serves as a shining example of the transformative power of education and leadership. His lifelong dedication to empowering learners and cultivating the next generation of change-makers has left an indelible mark on the global community, and his award is a testament to the profound impact one individual can have in shaping the future.