Post-Voice Achievers Awards London 2026 Diplomatic Engagements

By Mazi. Godson Azu

Following the successful conclusion of the 15th Edition of the Voice Achievers Awards (VAA) and Business Dialogue 2026 in London, a post-event diplomatic courtesy visit was undertaken to the High Commissions of the Republic of Ghana and the Republic of The Gambia in London.

The visit was undertaken by Mazi. Godson Azu, accompanied by Mr. Elvis Iroh, Publisher and Founder of The Voice Magazine and the Voice Achievers Awards, alongside two distinguished African fashion designers and cultural representatives from Ghana and The Gambia — Ms. Eyram Fashions, Ghana/UK, and Ms. Amina Fashions, The Gambia.

The primary purpose of the diplomatic engagements was to formally express our appreciation to the two diplomatic missions for their support, participation and encouragement towards the Voice Achievers Awards 2026. The visits also provided an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships, exchange views on the recently concluded event, acknowledge areas requiring improvement and explore opportunities for deeper cooperation in future editions of the VAA and other Africa-focused programmes in the United Kingdom.

Courtesy Visit to the Ghana High Commission

Our first call was at the Ghana High Commission in London, where we were warmly received by Mrs. Sabah Zita Benson, High Commissioner of Ghana to the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Mrs. Benson has continued to demonstrate a strong commitment to diplomatic engagement, partnership-building and the promotion of Ghana’s interests in the United Kingdom. Her current role places her at the centre of Ghana–UK diplomatic, economic and diaspora relations. (Ghana National Association⁠)

Following a brief introduction of the delegation by Mr. Elvis Iroh, he took the opportunity to acknowledge and address some of the protocol and organisational issues that arose during the VAA event, particularly those relating to aspects of the Ghanaian delegation.

On behalf of the Voice Achievers Awards team and the organising partners, Mr. Iroh expressed his sincere apologies to Her Excellency and sought her understanding and forgiveness for any shortcomings or inconveniences that may have occurred.

Her Excellency received the explanation with considerable grace, maturity and understanding. Her response demonstrated the qualities of an experienced diplomat and public servant who understands the importance of constructive engagement, reconciliation and continuous improvement.

We deeply appreciate her gracious disposition and her willingness to accept our explanation in the spirit in which it was offered.

The delegation also expressed its profound gratitude to the Ghana High Commission for its support and goodwill towards the Voice Achievers Awards and for its continued encouragement of initiatives that celebrate African excellence, creativity, enterprise, diplomacy and cultural identity.

We remain particularly appreciative of Her Excellency’s commitment to strengthening partnerships between Ghanaian stakeholders and institutions in the United Kingdom.

Here with Her Excellency the Ghana High Commissioner to the United Kingdom in her office.

Courtesy Visit to The Gambia High Commission

The delegation thereafter proceeded to the High Commission of The Gambia in London, where we were warmly received by Her Excellency Dr. Fatou Bensouda, High Commissioner of The Gambia to the United Kingdom.

The Gambia High Commission in London plays an important role in strengthening bilateral relations between The Gambia and the United Kingdom, as well as promoting Gambian interests, culture, tourism, trade and investment. (The Gambia High Commission⁠)

The meeting with Her Excellency was particularly warm and engaging.

She was visibly delighted to receive the Gambian fashion designer who participated in the VAA 2026 programme and presented a runway showcase celebrating Gambian creativity, fashion and cultural expression.

Her Excellency expressed her appreciation of the designer’s work and shared her observations concerning the event. Her comments were constructive, encouraging and forward-looking, with positive feedback on the overall programme while also identifying areas where improvements could be made.

She encouraged the organisers to learn from the experience, strengthen the relevant protocols and organisational arrangements, and return with an even stronger programme at the next edition of the Voice Achievers Awards, scheduled to take place in Amsterdam in 2027.

Her Excellency’s constructive observations were received with appreciation and humility. We believe that every successful international event must be viewed as a continuous learning process, and that honest feedback from diplomatic partners and distinguished stakeholders is essential to achieving higher standards.

Mr. Elvis Iroh and Mazi. Godson Azu also expressed their profound gratitude to Her Excellency for personally attending both the VAA Business Dialogue/Conference and the Awards Gala Dinner.

Her presence, together with members of the Gambian delegation, was deeply appreciated and regarded as an important demonstration of support for the objectives of the Voice Achievers Awards and its commitment to promoting African excellence on international platforms.

We sincerely thank Her Excellency and the High Commission of The Gambia for their participation, encouragement and constructive engagement.

Here with the Gambia High Commissioner in her office.

Strengthening Africa–UK Cultural and Diplomatic Partnerships

The two diplomatic courtesy visits were more than post-event protocol engagements. They represented an important opportunity to reaffirm the value of sustained relationships between African diplomatic missions, cultural practitioners, business leaders, media organisations and event platforms operating in the United Kingdom.

The Voice Achievers Awards has consistently sought to provide a platform where African excellence, entrepreneurship, culture, creativity, diplomacy and leadership can be celebrated and promoted internationally.

The participation of the Ghanaian and Gambian diplomatic missions and their respective representatives further demonstrated the importance of collaboration in presenting Africa positively and creating platforms for greater cultural and economic engagement.

As organisers and partners, we recognise that international events of this nature require continuous improvement, effective protocol management, strong communication and close coordination with diplomatic missions and participating delegations.

The feedback received from both High Commissions will therefore be carefully considered as part of our post-event review and planning for future editions.

From Ghana to The Gambia — and a Taste of Nigeria in London

Following the diplomatic engagements with the Ghana and The Gambia High Commissions, I had the pleasure of taking our delegation to Enish, Knightsbridge, one of London’s prominent Nigerian restaurants, for lunch.

It was a fitting way to conclude a day that celebrated the diversity, unity and cultural richness of Africa in London — beginning with Ghana, continuing with The Gambia, and ending with a taste of Nigeria in one of the capital’s most prestigious neighbourhoods.

Special appreciation goes to Mr. Elvis Iroh, who generously picked up the lunch bill.

Appreciation to Our Fashion and Cultural Ambassadors

I also wish to place on record my sincere appreciation to Ms. Eyram Fashions, Ghana/UK, and Ms. Amina Fashions, The Gambia, for their participation in the Voice Achievers Awards 2026.

Both ladies represented their respective countries with grace, creativity and professionalism. Their contribution to the cultural and fashion dimension of the event added colour, identity and a distinctly African character to the programme.

They were not merely fashion designers; they served as important cultural ambassadors, demonstrating how fashion can become a powerful instrument for cultural diplomacy, storytelling and international engagement.

We sincerely appreciate their accommodation, professionalism, patience, creativity and commitment throughout the programme.

Conclusion

Today’s diplomatic courtesy visits provided a valuable opportunity to say thank you to two important African diplomatic missions in London and to reaffirm our commitment to building stronger relationships based on mutual respect, partnership, learning and continuous improvement.

From Ghana to The Gambia, and from diplomacy to culture, fashion and Nigerian hospitality, the day was a beautiful reminder of the richness of Africa and the importance of bringing our different identities together on international platforms.

The Voice Achievers Awards 2026 may have concluded, but the relationships, partnerships and lessons arising from the programme continue.

We remain grateful to Mrs. Sabah Zita Benson, High Commissioner of Ghana to the United Kingdom and Ireland, and Her Excellency Dr. Fatou Bensouda, High Commissioner of The Gambia to the United Kingdom, for receiving our delegation with warmth and dignity, and for their valuable support, constructive observations and continued commitment to strengthening Africa’s presence and engagement in the United Kingdom.

Ghana. The Gambia. Nigeria. Africa.

One continent. Diverse cultures. Shared aspirations. Stronger together.

By Mazi. Godson Azu
International Development Expert | Global Affairs Analyst | Trade & Investment Facilitator | Leadership & Good Governance Consultant