Captain Georgina Jopap (Rtd.), a pioneering force in the maritime industry, has once again solidified her legacy as an icon of resilience, leadership, and gender inclusivity, defining hope for women by being a strong personality and not fading out in a male-dominated field, has made history again by becoming the first recipient of the Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings Legacy Honours.
The Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings Legacy Honours, named after the former First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, is a legacy honour that celebrates and awards a woman who has stood and fought positively for gender advancement and the well-being of women, children, and youth, while also advocating for meaningful policy interventions and support systems that promote gender equality.
With the first edition held in March 2025, the Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings Legacy Honours, to be held annually, seeks to honor a woman who pushes to the end, just like her name symbolizes KO-NA-DU (fight to the end).
A woman who desires to dare and truly dares, a woman who keeps dreaming and is determined to succeed
The award is also for every woman who, despite the constant challenges and difficulties she faces first with herself and by the negativity surrounding her presses on.
It will annually go to a woman who, though failing in her quest to succeed, rises, falls, rises again, and succeeds.
The award is additionally designed to honor a BOLD and resilient woman, who has dedicated herself to the empowerment of her fellow women, in any sector she finds herself and the well-being of helpless children and youth in society.
Captain Georgina Jopap (Rtd.)’s outstanding contributions to the maritime industry her unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive maritime sector where women can lead and excel and her relentless advocacy for gender equality and her dedication to creating training and mentorship programs for young women was celebrated when she was awarded with the Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings Legacy Honours.
A Journey of Excellence and Leadership
With a distinguished career spanning over four decades, Captain Jopap has excelled in seafaring, academia, management, consultancy, and international civil service. She is also the first African woman to qualify as a Master Mariner and the first female globally to earn an MSc in Maritime Safety Administration from the World Maritime University in Sweden. Her groundbreaking achievements continue to inspire generations.
Transforming Ghana’s Maritime Sector
Her journey began with 14 years of service as a Deck Officer on ocean-going vessels under the Black Star Line, where she honed her expertise in maritime navigation, ship operations, and leadership. Transitioning into academia, she dedicated nine years as a Senior Lecturer at the Regional Maritime University, mentoring and shaping the future of maritime professionals.
Beyond academia, Captain Jopap has held several influential international roles that have significantly impacted the global maritime industry. She served as an Expert & Training Advisor to the Bangladesh Government under the Commonwealth Funds for Technical Cooperation, where she spearheaded policies and programs aimed at enhancing seafarers’ training and expanding employment opportunities.
Additionally, she acted as the Regional Coordinator for West and Central Africa at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for six years, advising governments on critical issues related to legal frameworks, safety, security, and international maritime conventions.
Her leadership extended to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), where she led the initiative Support to the Promotion of Employment in the Maritime Industry, a project dedicated to expanding employment prospects and strengthening Africa’s maritime labor market. Her contributions to the African Union’s maritime agenda have been instrumental in raising awareness of regional maritime challenges and advocating for sustainable solutions to enhance the sector’s growth and inclusivity.
Her influence within Ghana’s maritime sector is equally remarkable. She served as the Presidential Representative on the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) Board from 2009 to 2013, providing strategic direction and policy oversight. As a member of the Accreditation Team for the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), she continues to ensure the quality of maritime education in the country. Additionally, her leadership in oil and gas training programs at the Management Development and Productivity Institute (MDPI) and her role as a visiting lecturer at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre have significantly strengthened regional maritime security and industry expertise.
Speaking after receiving her award, Captain Georgina Jopap expressed deep gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed her commitment to empowering women in maritime:
“This award is not just for me but for every young woman who dreams of a future in maritime. It is proof that with determination, resilience, and the right support, we can shatter glass ceilings and redefine what is possible for women in this industry. I dedicate this honor to all the women striving to make an impact, and I promise to continue advocating for inclusion, training, and opportunities for the next generation of female maritime professionals.”
Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, who presented the awards, commended her for her dedication to gender inclusivity, empowerment and societal progress. She however stressed the need for tangible policies and support systems that go beyond recognition.
“These awards are not just about celebrating achievements; they are about inspiring action. We need to ensure that women, especially those breaking barriers in various sectors, are supported with the necessary tools, resources, and policies to sustain their impact and legacy.”
In her address, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, emphasized the significance of the Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings Legacy Honours in recognizing women who have made extraordinary contributions to national development:
I am honored to be part of this momentous occasion, which celebrates the indomitable spirit of leadership, resilience, and the unwavering commitment to societal transformation values that our dear former First Lady, H.E. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, has exemplified throughout her life.
This is an embodiment of the tireless efforts of women who have broken through barriers, overcome numerous challenges, and redefined what is possible.
It is a celebration not only of their individual achievements but of the collective power of women across Ghana and beyond, who continue to push boundaries in all sectors, from agriculture to governance, education, and beyond.
The Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings Legacy Honour is a fitting tribute to a woman whose life’s work has been dedicated to the empowerment of others, particularly women and children, ensuring they have access to opportunities that promote growth and prosperity.
This award serves as a reminder that real change happens when individuals and women like Captain Georgina Jopap and other honorees, rise above the challenges, persevere, and pave the way for others to follow in their footsteps.
At Agrihouse Foundation, we recognize and cherish the contributions of leaders like Captain Georgina Jopap, whose groundbreaking work in the maritime sector has not only shaped Ghana’s maritime landscape but has also opened doors for countless young women and girls to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated industries.
The event also honored other influential women, including Nigeria’s Victoria Remi Nkong, a multilingual creative entrepreneur, TV producer, and President of Bridge Africa.
She was recognized for her humanitarian efforts, including Slum Invasion, which equips young people with vocational skills, and Share Your Closet, an initiative that helps widows establish small businesses. Her work in supporting single mothers and elderly women transitioning out of sex work further highlights her dedication to social impact and empowerment.
The Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings Legacy Honours seeks to stand as a beacon of progress, amplifying the voices of women leaders and fostering a resilient future for Ghana and Africa.
The 7th Gathering of the Royals and the Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings Legacy Honours, organized by Agrihouse Foundation at the GNAT Hall in Accra, under the theme “Honoring Leadership, Inspiring Hope, and Delivering Agri-Jobs Through the Royals in AgriBooster Dignified Community-Level Network Initiative,” welcomed over 1,000 participants, including 300 key stakeholders from traditional leadership, agriculture, business, and governance. The event fostered high-level discussions on women’s leadership, sustainable development, and economic transformation.
