Former First Lady Lordina Mahama has congratulated her husband John Dramani Mahama for emerging as the African Leadership Magazine (ALM) Person of the Year 2016.

According to Mrs Mahama, the former president’s passion for Africa shines bright.

“Congratulations @JDMahama, my Husband, Partner, Rock & African Icon. Your passion for Africa shines bright. Africa is behind you. #MahamaLegacy,” she tweeted.

Congratulations @JDMahama,my Husband,Partner,Rock & African Icon. Your passion for Africa shines bright. Africa is behind you.#MahamaLegacy pic.twitter.com/C5suYGTflq

— Lordina Mahama (@MrsMahama) February 23, 2017

Mr Mahama was decorated with the award on Thursday, 23 February at a ceremony in South Africa.

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.

According to the Chairman of the International Advisory board of the ALM Awards, Ambassador Joe Beasley, 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,” he added.