-As 16th Edition Honors Changemakers
By Jerromie S. Walters & Vaye A. Lepolu
MONROVIA — The Golden Image Award, Liberia’s most prestigious national honor, celebrated its 16th edition on Tuesday at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, drawing international dignitaries and honoring individuals who have advanced peace, leadership, and community change across the nation.
Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung delivered the keynote address, praising the awards as a powerful national institution that recognizes excellence, patriotism, and outstanding contributions from Liberians and international partners alike.
“The Golden Image Awards have established a powerful tradition of celebrating excellence and inspiring hope,” Vice President Koung said. “Tonight is more than an award ceremony; it is a celebration of resilience, determination and the spirit of Liberians who refuse to surrender their dreams.”
The Vice President emphasized that sustainable national development requires the collective efforts of all Liberians regardless of political, religious, or social affiliations. He urged citizens to reject division and embrace dialogue, reconciliation, and mutual respect.
He also encouraged young people to actively participate in nation-building. He described them as partners in Liberia’s development whose creativity and energy remain among the country’s greatest assets.
Highlighting the government’s development agenda, Koung reaffirmed its commitment to attracting investment, expanding infrastructure, strengthening agriculture, increasing access to electricity, supporting manufacturing, and creating employment opportunities.
He stressed that peace remains the foundation for lasting prosperity. He noted that Liberia’s abundant natural resources, fertile agricultural land, youthful population, and democratic tradition position the country for sustained growth.
The Vice President informed the gathering that President Boakai was unable to attend the ceremony due to national security engagements. These included discussions surrounding a major cocaine seizure that authorities recently intercepted.
House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon praised the organizers, led by Ambassador Juli Endee and the Liberia Crusaders for Peace, for sustaining the awards over the past 16 years.
Speaker Koon described the Golden Image Awards as an important platform that promotes peace, leadership, innovation, and humanitarian service while enhancing Liberia’s engagement with the international community.
He congratulated the award recipients, stating that their achievements demonstrate that true leadership is measured not by position but by service to humanity.
The Speaker pledged the Legislature’s continued support for initiatives that promote national unity, cultural diplomacy, youth empowerment, and international cooperation.
Chinese Ambassador to Liberia Yin Chengwu also addressed the ceremony. He described culture as the soul of every nation and commended the Golden Image Awards for recognizing individuals whose contributions have advanced peace and national development.
He reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Liberia through continued support in agriculture, health, education, and infrastructure development under the Boakai administration’s development agenda.
Princess Cooper, Director-General of the Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA), said rebuilding Liberia’s international reputation requires promoting the country’s tourism potential, cultural heritage, and creative industries.
She noted that the Golden Image Awards were established following Liberia’s civil conflict to help restore the country’s image. They have since grown into an internationally recognized platform celebrating peacebuilding and cultural advancement.
Cooper urged Liberians to become ambassadors for their country by showcasing its beautiful coastline, national parks, historical sites, and rich cultural heritage instead of allowing outdated narratives of war and disease to define the nation.
The tourism official highlighted the significance of the 2025 LNTA Act. She described it as a milestone that grants greater autonomy to the authority while positioning tourism as a key pillar of Liberia’s economic transformation under the ARREST Agenda.
The Recipients:
The awards span 11 comprehensive 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. These categories cover virtually every sector of national development.
The list of distinguished Liberian recipients includes Alhaji Mohammed Bailo Sow, the National Fula Governor; Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, Minister of Agriculture; Jodie Reid Seton, LFA 3rd Vice President; Salamata Diallo, Managing Director of Ecobank Liberia Limited; Madam Lusu K. Crawford, President of the Marketing Association; and Dr. Sia Wata Camanor, Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia.
Also among them are Dr. Louise M. Kpoto; Joyce L. Kilikpo, Executive Director of the Public Health Initiative Liberia; Honorable Loleyah Hawa Norris, Superintendent of Bong County; Honorable Horace Gbeme-Kollie, Minister of the Ministry of Gender; and Kartumu Yarta Boakai, First Lady of the Republic of Liberia. Their presence underscores the importance of women’s leadership in the nation’s development agenda.
Other notable foreign recipients include Honorable Gabe Okoye, Member of the Georgia House of Representatives; Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Chairperson of Ghana’s Parliamentary Security and Intelligence Committee; and Honorable Dr. Isata Mahoi, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs.
The ceremony, themed “Peace, Leadership, Investment, and Cultural Excellence,” attracted unprecedented global attention. Five international award institutions confirmed their participation, and delegates attended from over a dozen countries spanning four continents.
International representation included Barbados, Serbia, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, The Gambia, Nigeria, and the United States of America. The prestigious event showcased Liberia’s remarkable journey from conflict to peace while honoring individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to national development and international cooperation.
Among the distinguished international recipients and guests were His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas, Executive Governor of Taraba State, Nigeria; and High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, known as Tompolo, Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited, Nigeria, His Excellency Dickon A. T. Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada; Honorable Deborah Farida Ibrahim, a prominent Nigerian business leader.
She serves as CEO of DIM’s Conglomerate and holds multiple leadership positions, including National Director of Special Duties and National Director of Townhall and Public Engagement for the Relax Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria (RTIFN) initiative. She also serves as National Treasurer of FOGOCOM and Governing Board Council Member of Federal University of Uyo in Akwa Ibom State.
Queen Linda E. Turner, a seasoned entrepreneur and humanitarian with over two decades of experience in business and social impact, was also among the distinguished attendees. As CEO of JAT Holdings, she has established herself as a formidable force in the corporate sector while championing the dignity and empowerment of elderly individuals through her Linda Hope Initiative, particularly in Nigeria.
A major highlight of AWES’s work is its social housing project for widows. Developed in partnership with Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL), the project delivers 100 housing units in Rigachikun, Kaduna State. This initiative provides widows and their families with secure homes and renewed dignity. Today, AWES is a thriving network of over 1,000 women who have benefited from vocational training, mentorship, and grants in areas such as ICT, tailoring, catering, cosmetology, and small-scale enterprise.
Khalilah Camacho Ali, the former wife of legendary boxing icon Muhammad Ali and a distinguished humanitarian in her own right, was also present. Married to the late champion for 34 years, she has dedicated her life to preserving his legacy of faith, service, and social impact through her work with the Muhammad Ali Center and her advocacy for education, health, peace, and youth empowerment globally.
The Birth:
The Golden Image Award was founded in 2010 by the Liberia Crusaders for Peace under Ambassador Juli Endee, Traditional Queen of Liberia and Executive Director of the organization. The Golden Image Awards have become an annual cornerstone of Liberia’s Independence Day celebrations, occurring each July 26th to commemorate the nation’s founding.
Originally endorsed by former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Golden Image Awards honor individuals and institutions advancing peace, development, and community transformation. The first ceremony was held in 2011, marking the beginning of what would become Liberia’s most prestigious national meritorious accolade.
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. These honorees have established the GIA as a truly prestigious international recognition.
The GIA medal carries profound symbolism. 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. The peace symbol reflects Liberia’s post-war success story and commitment to domestic and global harmony. Together, these elements encapsulate the nation’s journey and aspirations.
