Kufuor’s hopes shattered

…As there is no winner for Mo Ibrahim award
Posted: The Chronicle | Tuesday, October 20, 2009


By Charles Takyi-Boadu



The hopes and aspirations of former President John Agyekum Kufuor to annex the much-coveted Mo Ibrahim award have been dashed. This follows an official announcement by the Foundation yesterday to the effect that it would not award the prize this year.
Whilst acknowledging the fact that it had considered some credible candidates this year, the Prize Committee, however, noted that after in-depth review, it could not select a winner. They however welcomed the progress made on governance in some African countries, while noting with concern recent setbacks in other countries.

The prize is awarded to African Heads of State who deliver security, health, education and economic development to their constituents, and who democratically transfer power. With a $5 million initial payment, plus $200,000 a year for life, the prize is believed to be the world's largest, exceeding the $1.3m Nobel Peace Prize.

In spite of the fact that there is no laureate this year, the Foundation says the planned events in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on 14 and 15 November 2009 will go ahead.

These events will include a discussion forum that will bring together stakeholders to discuss issues that are key to Africa’s future progress including climate justice, agriculture and food security and regional economic integration.

The aim of the forum is to articulate shared aspirations and a common vision for the future around these issues.

In announcing the decision of the Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership, the Board of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation said it was committed to supporting great African leadership that will improve the economic and social prospects of the people of Africa. The Foundation’s focus is the promotion of good governance in Africa and the recognition of excellence in African leadership.

“At a time when, we are seeing overall progress in Africa, despite worrying setbacks in some countries, it is vital that African stakeholders and institutions come together to look for a way forward on the major challenges facing the African continent. I look forward to the discussions around this urgent African agenda”, the statement said.

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation was established to stimulate debate around, and improve the quality of, African governance. Although there is much focus on the prize, the Foundation is engaged in many other activities to help improve governance.

Central to these is the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, which the Foundation published earlier this month, which gives powerful information to all citizens about the performance of their countries.”

The forum will include the following sessions: Climate change and climate justice chaired by President Festus Mogae. President Mogae is one of United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon’s four special envoys on climate change.

Agriculture and food security, chaired by H.E. Mr Kofi Annan. Mr Annan is Chairman of the Board of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

Regional Economic Integration, chaired by H.E. Mr Abdoulie Janneh. Mr Janneh is Secretary-General of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

In 2006, the foundation launched the Prize for Achievement in African Leadership. The inaugural Prize was awarded to former president Joachim Chissano of Mozambique, for "his role in leading Mozambique from conflict to peace and democracy."

Festus Mogae won the 2008 Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership, and will receive US$ 5 million over 10 years and US$ 200,000 annually for life thereafter.

On October 20, 2008, former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan stated: "President Mogae's outstanding leadership has ensured Botswana's continued stability and prosperity in the face of an HIV/AIDS pandemic which threatened the future of his country and people." Both awards ceremonies were held in the Egyptian city of Alexandria.