The 7th Gathering of the Royals and Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings Legacy Honours, organized by Agrihouse Foundation, celebrated the achievements of exceptional women in leadership and development.
Held at the GNAT Hall in Accra under the theme, “Honouring Leadership, Inspiring Hope, and Delivering Agri-Jobs Through the Royals in AgriBooster Dignified Community-Level Network Initiative,”
Captain Georgina Jopap (Rtd.), the first African woman to qualify as a Master Mariner and the first female in the world to attain an MSc in Maritime Safety Administration from the World Maritime University in Sweden, along with Nigeria’s Victoria Remi Nkong, a multilingual creative entrepreneur, TV producer, and President of Bridge Africa, were honored as recipients of the inaugural Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings Legacy Honors for their contributions to youth and women’s empowerment across Africa.
Both distinguished women were celebrated for their groundbreaking work in their respective fields and were decorated by former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, who presented them with plaques and commendations.
Capt. Georgina Jopap’s award was in recognition of her vision for an inclusive maritime industry where women can lead and excel.
Her efforts in breaking gender barriers, advocating for gender equality, and creating training and mentorship programs for young women were praised as instrumental in shaping Ghana’s maritime sector.
Her contributions include serving as a member of the Accreditation Team for the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), leading oil and gas training programs at the Management Development and Productivity Institute (MDPI), strengthening regional maritime security as a visiting lecturer at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, and working with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for West and Central Africa to address regional port and maritime challenges .
Victoria Remi Nkong was also recognized for her humanitarian efforts, particularly in supporting vulnerable women and youth. She spearheads initiatives such as Slum Invasion, which equips young people with vocational skills, and Share Your Closet, which helps widows launch small businesses. She has also led programs assisting single mothers and elderly women in transitioning out of sex work, demonstrating her dedication to social impact and empowerment.
Additionally, Nana Ama Serwaa, President of the Queen Mothers Foundation Ghana, received an honorary award from Agrihouse Foundation for her commitment to women’s leadership and empowerment.
Speaking at the 7th Gathering of the Royals and Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings Legacy Honours, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Ms. Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, emphasized that the Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings Legacy Honours was established to recognize women who have made extraordinary contributions to national development, particularly in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
“These women represent the essence of resilience, leadership, and innovation. Their work aligns with the values of the Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings Legacy, which is about challenging the status quo, creating opportunities, and ensuring that women are at the forefront of Ghana’s growth and transformation,” she stated.
In her address, former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings commended the honorees for their dedication to societal progress. She stressed that empowering women must go beyond recognition and be translated into tangible policies and support systems.
“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,” she remarked.
She urged policymakers, corporate institutions, and communities to invest in initiatives that equip women with leadership skills, financial independence, and access to education.
Speaking after receiving her award, Capt. Georgina Jopap expressed her gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed her commitment to mentorship and advocacy for 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.”
Victoria Remi Nkong also shared her appreciation, emphasizing that empowerment must go beyond individual success to uplifting communities and creating lasting change.
“I believe that true empowerment starts with opportunity. When we uplift one woman, we uplift an entire community. This recognition fuels my commitment to continue creating safe spaces and sustainable opportunities for women and youth across Africa.
I thank Agrihouse Foundation and Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings for this prestigious honor, and I dedicate this to every woman out there working tirelessly to create a better future for the next generation.”
The 7th Gathering of the Royals brought together over 1,000 participants, including 300 key stakeholders from traditional leadership, agriculture, business, and governance. The event facilitated high-level discussions on women’s roles in leadership, sustainable development, and economic transformation.
The event was made possible through the support of key sponsors, including Fidelity Bank, Agricultural Manufacturing Group (AMG), Farm Jet, Joyful Agro Services, Agrohoa Ghana Limited, Jibu Ghana, and Kivo, among others. Their contributions underscored the collective commitment to empowering women and driving national development through inclusive leadership.
The Gathering of the Royals and Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings Legacy Honours continues to stand as a beacon of progress, amplifying the voices of women leaders and fostering a resilient future for Ghana and Africa.
