Ghana’s former President, Mr John Mahama has denied he is worth about $900million.

“I am not anywhere near even $2million to talk about $900 million,” Mr Mahama, who lost his country’s December 2016 polls to Nana Akufo-Addo, told South Africa’s Power98.7FM, where he is on a talking engagement and to also receive an award for African leadership.

“I am absolutely nowhere near that,” Mr Mahama stressed, explaining: “Often my brother [Ibrahim] is confused with me. My brother is a businessman, he has his assets and I have no interest in his business and I don’t own shares in his business.

“I am a farmer, I have published a book and I have earned royalties from my book and I earn from my farm and that is it. I live a very modest life.”

Mr Mahama will on Thursday 23 February deliver the keynote address at the African Leadership Magazine (ALM) Person of the Year 2016 Awards Programme in Johannesburg.

The former president will be speaking on the theme of the Awards Programme: “How can Africa win the progress race?”

The ALM Person of the Year Awards, according to the organisers, is in keeping with a tradition of presenting the positive sides of the African continent, which hardly finds space on the global stage, and celebrating exemplary leadership and individuals who have contributed to shaping the global perception of the African continent.

President Mahama is expected to be decorated with the African Political Leader of the Year Award for his contributions towards deepening and enriching Ghana's democracy and his towering status as one of Africa's best.

In the words of the Chairman of the International Advisory board of the ALM Awards, Ambassador Joe Beasley, "it is gratifying to know that Africa still have leaders like you bestriding the political space."

He also noted that Mr Mahama made a significant contribution to Ghana's economic growth and development; spearheaded and completed some ambitious projects; went into the elections and respected the wishes of the electorate – a feat uncommon amongst many leaders in the continent.

“Africa has found in you and leaders like you, the perfect Apostles of Good Governance and Democracy, who would help in spreading the gospel to the rest of the continent.”

Mr Mahama is also expected to be presented with the Georgia Congressional Commendation from the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus during the event, according to a statement signed by Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Special Aide to the former President.