-To Liberia As 16th Edition Set for July 21, 2026
Monrovia, Liberia — When the 16th Golden Image Awards (GIA) open on July 21, 2026, the stage will host more than honorees—it will welcome a powerful assembly of women shaping policy, peace, and culture across continents. From a prime minister and a governor to a U.S. state legislator and a gender minister, women leaders are taking center stage at this year’s internationally acclaimed ceremony.
Held at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, Monrovia, the event is organized by the Golden Image Award Secretariat under Ambassador Juli Endee, Founder and Executive Director of the Liberia Crusaders for Peace (LCP). This year’s edition is expected to be one of the most globally attended since the awards began in 2010.
Among the distinguished international guests confirmed to attend are: His Excellency Dickon A. T. Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada; His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas, Executive Governor of Taraba State, Nigeria; Mrs. Khalilah Camacho Ali, humanitarian and former wife of Muhammad Ali; High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited, Nigeria; Hon. Gabe Okoye, Member of the Georgia House of Representatives, U.S.; Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Chairperson of Ghana’s Parliamentary Security and Intelligence Committee; and Hon. Dr. Isata Mahoi, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs. Officials from Barbados, Serbia, Japan, the UAE, Vietnam, The Gambia, Nigeria, and the U.S., along with business leaders, academics, and peace advocates, will also join.
Their presence signals growing global recognition of the Golden Image Awards as a platform for peace, cultural diplomacy, leadership, investment, and humanitarian service.
Originally endorsed by former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the awards were conceived in 2010 to support Liberia’s post-war image rebuilding and to honor those advancing peace, development, and community transformation. The first ceremony took place in 2011. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has attended and supported every edition—both as Vice President and now as President—and serves as Convener for the 16th Edition, reflecting his commitment to national unity, peacebuilding, and cultural preservation.
Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung will deliver the keynote address. This year’s awards span 11 categories: Leadership Development, Investment, Democracy and Human Rights, Economic Diplomacy, Education, Gender Empowerment, Agriculture and Food Security, Peace and Security, Health and Sanitation, Arts and Culture, Heritage and Tourism, and Journalism and Multimedia.
Beyond the honors, the event aims to boost Liberia’s arts, tourism, youth innovation, and international partnerships, while inspiring future generations toward peace and public service.
Ambassador Juli Endee noted: “This year’s remarkable international participation demonstrates the confidence the global community continues to place in Liberia. The Golden Image Awards remain dedicated to promoting peace, recognizing excellence, strengthening cultural diplomacy, and building bridges between Liberia and the world.”
The ceremony will gather government officials, diplomats, development partners, business executives, traditional leaders, artists, youth groups, civil society, and international guests for a celebration of excellence, peace, and national pride.
Founded by Ambassador Juli Endee, Traditional Queen of Liberia and Executive Director of the Liberia Crusaders for Peace, the Golden Image Awards is an annual international recognition initiative honoring individuals and institutions advancing peace, democracy, humanitarian service, culture, and sustainable development.
