Rationale: Recognizes an individual whose long-term contributions have significantly advanced Ghana’s development, uplifted Africa’s identity, and inspired global impact.

Criteria:

• Be of Ghanaian descent.
• At least 25 years of distinguished service.
• Excellence, leadership, and integrity.
• Impact beyond personal achievement.
• Role model across generations.

Rationale: Recognizes outstanding diaspora entrepreneurs and leaders whose work impacts global markets and Ghana’s development.

Criteria:

• Be of Ghanaian descent in the diaspora.
• Lead/manage a globally recognized business.
• Proven success over 5–10 years.
• Operate ethically & sustainably.
• Strong Ghana linkages (trade, investment, partnerships).

Rationale: Celebrates individuals/entities in the diaspora who have invested in Ghana, driving jobs, innovation, and collaboration.

Criteria:

• Be of Ghanaian descent in diaspora or diaspora-owned business.
• Operate in Ghana within the last 5–10 years.
• Measurable job creation & economic contribution.
• Comply with Ghana laws, uphold ethics & sustainability.

Evaluation: Business Growth, Local Impact, Innovation, Sustainability, Partnerships.

Rationale: Honors academics and researchers whose work has advanced Ghana’s knowledge systems and innovation.

Criteria:

• Be of Ghanaian descent in academia or research.
• Minimum 5 years of scholarly achievement.
• Track record of publications & teaching.
• Engagement with Ghanaian knowledge & development.

Evaluation: Scholarly Achievement, Leadership, Policy Impact, Visibility, Community Contribution.

Rationale: Honors diaspora individuals or organizations who have significantly contributed to Ghana’s social development.

Criteria:

• Be of Ghanaian descent or affiliated organization.
• Led impactful projects in past 5 years.
• Impact in education, health, poverty, youth, or justice.
• Operate with accountability & sustainability.

Evaluation: Commitment, Impact, Sustainability, Innovation, Inclusion, Partnerships, Accountability.

Rationale: Celebrates champions of Ghana’s cultural heritage, ensuring its preservation and promotion globally.

Criteria:

• Be of Ghanaian descent or heritage institution.
• Track record in heritage promotion/preservation.
• Impact in education, crafts, museums, tourism.
• Safeguard cultural legacy for future generations.

Evaluation: Preservation, Promotion, Innovation, Reach, Engagement, Partnerships, Sustainability.

Rationale: Honors a Ghanaian innovator, entrepreneur, or technologist who has demonstrated outstanding creativity, leadership, and impact in science, technology, or innovation, advancing Ghana’s development agenda.

Criteria:

• Be of Ghanaian descent, based in Ghana or abroad.
• Be an innovator, entrepreneur, technologist, or researcher with a proven record of innovation in the past 3–5 years.
• Show evidence of measurable results addressing local, regional, or global challenges.
• Demonstrate scalability, sustainability, and socio-economic impact.

Rationale: Celebrates emerging leaders, innovators, and changemakers under 35 who demonstrate exceptional achievement, leadership, and impact while maintaining a strong connection to Ghana.

Criteria:

• Be of Ghanaian descent, aged 15–35.
• Demonstrated excellence in any field (academics, business, arts, technology, leadership, etc.).
• Recognized as a role model with impact that inspires other young Ghanaians.

Rationale: Recognizes Ghanaian diaspora athletes, coaches, or sports advocates who have excelled in their field while promoting Ghanaian identity, unity, and excellence.

Criteria:

• Be of Ghanaian descent, based in Ghana or abroad.
• Active or retired athlete, coach, or sports administrator with proven record.
• Demonstrated fair play, leadership, and national/diaspora representation.

Rationale: Recognizes Ghanaians in film, TV, or theatre whose artistic contributions have elevated Ghanaian narratives globally.

Criteria:

• Be of Ghanaian descent living in Ghana or abroad.
• Worked as director, writer, actor, producer, or designer in the last 5 years.
• Demonstrated authorship, leadership, and impact in the creative process.

Rationale: Honors artists, producers, or composers whose music or sound innovations have had cultural, artistic, and global impact while advancing Ghana’s sonic identity.

Criteria:

• Be of Ghanaian descent or have strong cultural affiliation with Ghana.
• Released or contributed to a major work within the last 3 years.
• Demonstrated artistic control, authorship, or innovation in sound.

Rationale: Honors visual artists whose creativity, cultural depth, and social relevance have shaped narratives about Ghanaian and African identity.

Criteria:

• Be of Ghanaian descent or have strong cultural affiliation with Ghana.
• Practicing visual artist with a notable body of work in the last 3–5 years.
• Work must demonstrate authorship, creativity, and cultural relevance.

Rationale: Celebrates designers, textile innovators, or entrepreneurs whose work has shaped global perceptions of Ghanaian style and identity.

Criteria:

• Be of Ghanaian descent living in Ghana or abroad.
• Fashion designer, textile artist, creative director, or entrepreneur with a proven body of work in the past 3–5 years.
• Work must reflect Ghanaian identity, sustainability, and cultural relevance.

Rationale: Celebrates writers whose work demonstrates outstanding craft, cultural depth, and contribution to the global literary conversation about Ghana and Africa.

Criteria:

• Be of Ghanaian descent, residing in Ghana or abroad.
• Be a published author, poet, or playwright with work released within the last 5 years.
• Work must demonstrate originality, Ghanaian themes, and global relevance.

Rationale: Awards digital artists or creators in storytelling, VR/AR, animation, or emerging media whose innovative work engages Ghanaian identity, heritage, or social issues.

Criteria:

• Be of Ghanaian descent or strong cultural affiliation, living in Ghana or abroad.
• Be the lead creator or key collaborator of a digital/new media project in the last 3 years.
• Work must show creative innovation, cultural relevance, and audience engagement.