“The former President will be speaking on the theme, “How can Africa win the progress race?” A statement signed by Mrs Joyce Bawa Mogtari, Special Aide to the former President and copied to the Ghana News Agency said former President Mahama would be  decorated with the African Political Leader of the Year Award for his contribution towards deepening and enriching Ghana's democracy and his towering status as one of Africa's best.

The ALM Person of the Year Awards, according to the organisers was keeping with a tradition of presenting the positive sides of the African continent, which hardly found space on the global stage.

It would also celebrate exemplary leadership and individuals who had contributed to shaping the global perception of the African continent. The statement said former President Mahama made significant contributions to Ghana's economic growth and development; spearheaded and completed some ambitious projects, went into the elections and respected the wishes of the electorate - a feat uncommon amongst many leaders in the continent.

In the words of the Chairman of the International Advisory board of the ALM Awards, Ambassador Joe Beasley, "it is gratifying to know that Africa still has leaders like you bestriding the political space."

“Africa has found in you and leaders like you, the perfect Apostles of Good Governance and Democracy, who would help in spreading the gospel to the rest of the continent.” The statement added that former President Mahama would also be presented with the Georgia Congressional Commendation from the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus during the event.