By Emmanuel Tarpeh Quiah
The Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLS Africa) has bestowed its prestigious Honorary Leadership Award on former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in recognition of her unwavering commitment to democracy and youth leadership on the continent.
The award ceremony marked a historic moment for YPLS Africa which has grown into one of the leading platforms for nurturing emerging democratic leaders across Africa.
Madam Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female head of state, played a pivotal role in the school’s beginnings as the inaugural Keynote Speaker. Her words of encouragement in that first year, organizers say planted a seed of inspiration that has blossomed into a movement of young change-makers.
Since then, Madam Sirleaf has remained a consistent supporter of YPLS Africa, mentoring participants, attending programs, and championing the vision of empowering the next generation of democratic leaders.
In receiving the award, Madam Sirleaf expressed heartfelt gratitude. “I did not see this coming, and I am grateful for the recognition,” she said adding, “I am proud to be part of the Young Political Leadership School Africa convened by NAYMORE.
She added that, “Empowering young people to be agents of change across Africa is fundamental, and I am inspired by the incredible work the Young Political Leadership School Africa is doing. I feel honored to be part of this success.”
YPLS Africa organizers described the award as both a tribute to Madam Sirleaf’s legacy and a reaffirmation of the school’s mission. “Her enduring support and profound wisdom continue to inspire our mission of empowering emerging leaders across Africa,” the institution said in a statement.
The recognition comes shortly after NAYMOTE’s Executive Director, Eddie D. Jarwolo, returned from a visit to Ghana, where he met with partners and alumni of the program ahead of Ghana’s hosting of YPLS Africa in 2026. In his message, Jarwolo reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to advancing youth leadership across the continent.
“Our vision is to build a strong network of young African leaders who are democratic, accountable, and committed to service,” Jarwolo said. “Madam Sirleaf’s journey and her support to YPLS Africa remind us that when experienced leaders invest in young people, nations benefit and democracies thrive.”
With Sirleaf’s recognition and Jarwolo’s renewed call for action, YPLS Africa looks forward to strengthening its mission of equipping emerging leaders with the skills, values, and networks necessary to transform governance in Africa.
Alphonso Toweh
Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in International Relations and a candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Liberia.
