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.

The visit was undertaken by Mazi. Godson Azu, accompanied by Mr. Elvis Iruh, 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 diplomatic mission for their support, participation and encouragement towards the Voice Achievers Awards 2026. The visit 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
The delegation visited the Ghana High Commission in London, where they were warmly received by Her Excellency, Amb. Mrs. Sabah Zita Benson, High Commissioner of Ghana to the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Amb. 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.

After Mr. Elvis Iruh introduced the delegation, he addressed the protocol and organizational challenges encountered during the VAA event, specifically those affecting the Ghanaian delegation.

Speaking for the Voice Achievers Awards team and organizing partners, Mr. Iruh apologized sincerely to Her Excellency for any inconveniences and asked for her understanding.

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.

Mazi Godson Azu (MA, BA (Hons), FOSHA, AMILM, MID, MIoD, MIoG), CEO of Cater and Merger Consult UK and Director of the C&M Centre for Leadership and Good Governance UK, extended an invitation to Her Excellency for the upcoming London Political Summit in October 2026. Amb. Mrs. Sabah Zita Benson received the invite with appreciation.