-As It Gets International Endorsement Ahead of July 21, 2026, Edition
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – The 16th edition of the Golden Image Award (GIA), Liberia’s premier national meritorious accolade is scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, Monrovia. The ceremony, which carries the theme “Peace, Leadership, Investment, and Cultural Excellence,” has already garnered significant international attention, with five global award institutions confirming participation and delegates expected from over a dozen countries across four continents.
Organizers announced that preparations are at an advanced stage, with the event receiving a major international endorsement through its alignment with the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE). Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, Secretary General of the Paris-based intergovernmental organization that oversees World Expos across 184 member states, has lent his support to the initiative, further cementing the GIA’s growing reputation as a globally recognized platform for honoring peacebuilding and cultural advancement.
Detailing the event:
Speaking at a Ministry of Information press conference in Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Ambassador Juli Endee, Chief Executive Officer of the Liberia Crusaders for Peace and the visionary behind the Golden Image Awards, disclosed that sponsorship commitments have already been secured from several institutions, including the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), while discussions continue with the Ministry of Information (MOI), the Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA), and other prospective partners. Endee emphasized that responses are still awaited from additional corporate entities as the July date approaches.
“This year’s ceremony marks a significant milestone as we welcome five international award institutions to present alongside the Golden Image Awards,” Endee stated. “The Hollywood African Intercontinental Awards, Women of Worth Awards Africa, and the United Liberia Association of the Americas (ULAA) are among those confirmed, and their participation underscores the growing global recognition of Liberia’s commitment to peace and cultural excellence.”
Nominees and distinguished guests from the United States, Barbados, Grenada, Japan, Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates, Serbia, the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Ghana, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone are expected to attend, with international delegates to be accommodated at several Monrovia hotels, including Bella Casa Hotel, Boulevard Palace Hotel, Royal Hotel, and Black International Hotel.
Ambassador Endee also announced that nominations for the 2026 edition will officially open in October, encouraging individuals and organizations to submit detailed profiles for consideration across sectors including Education, Empowerment, Leadership, Democracy and the Rule of Law, Health, and Arts & Culture. The selection process evaluates nominees based on their impactful contributions to peacebuilding, national development, humanitarian service, and cultural advancement.
Recipents from different Backgroups:
Founded in 2011 by the Liberia Crusaders for Peace, the Golden Image Awards has become an annual cornerstone of Liberia’s Independence Day celebrations, honoring distinguished figures who have shaped the nation and the world. Previous recipients include former South African President Nelson Mandela, former Ghanaian President Jerry Rawlings, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, senior officials of the United States Government, Moroccan leaders, and numerous international dignitaries. In Liberia, the award has recognized respected figures from government, culture, sports, business, and community life.
The 15th edition, held on July 23, 2025, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex, was hosted under the theme “Building Our Nation Together Through Reconciliation” with ECOWAS Resident Representative Madam Josephine Nkrumah as keynote speaker. Notable 2025 recipients included Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono, who made history as the first-ever Nimba Superintendent to win the National Superintendent of the Year award.
Others include current Youth & Sports Minister Cornelia Kruah, Emma Glassco, former head of Liberia’s National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), Presidential Press Secretary Kulah N. Fofana, Amb. Deweh E. Gray and Representative Moima Briggs-Mensah.
Chief Success R. Carr, CEO of Royal Empire International, was also honored with the National Humanitarian Award for community development; and Liberian secular musicians S.I.O (Alfred Dorbor) and Faithvonic, who made history by becoming the first artists in their genre to win a Golden Image Award under the Arts & Culture category.
The 2026 edition will be convened under the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., with Speaker of the House Richard Nagbe Koon designated to present citations and national honors, promising a ceremony that will celebrate Liberia’s journey while inspiring its future through peace, leadership, investment, and cultural excellence.
The GIA physical medal itself carries profound symbolism, as the globe represents Liberia’s place in the global community; the lady with traditional hair honors Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first democratically elected female president and the face of the award; and the peace symbol reflects Liberia’s post-war success story and commitment to domestic and global harmony.
