NPC Chairman receives 2014 Martin Luther King Award
The Award held in Accra, was in recognition of Prof Asante's unwavering commitment to promoting peace and security throughout the country during Election 2012.
Originally initiated in 2007, the Award recognises Ghanaian citizens who personify the philosophy and actions of Dr King by helping to build a culture of peacemaking, dialogue and conflict resolution.
Mr Gene Cretz, the U.S Ambassador to Ghana, said the award honoured activists who promoted social justice, stability, human rights and peace through non-violent means.
He described Prof Asante, who is also the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, as a man who exemplified Dr King's legacy by striving to promote peace and security in the country.
He said Rev Prof Asante played a significant role in engaging with the various stakeholders to maintain peace and calm in the country before, during and after Election 2012.
'During the election period, in his role as Chairman of the NPC, he undertook various interventions in collaboration with other partners to consolidate peace in the country,' he added.
Some of the interventions included dialogue with various political parties, engagement with institutions such as media, judiciary, the security services and the Electoral Commission.
Mr Cretz said all those programmes and activities initiated by the NPC Chairman exemplified the principles for which Dr King fought for, some 57 years ago.
The Ambassador also said through his leadership, the NPC visited four communities that had experienced intra-community conflicts prior to the elections.
Prof Asante expressed gratitude to the Ambassador and the US government for the honour.
He said if conflicts were not resolved, there could never be growth and development of any nation and it was critical to note that development, security and peace went hand-in-hand for the enhancement of the people.
He said governments needed to invest in activities that would promote peace for the well-being of all citizens for harmony and co-existence.
'Ghana is bigger than any political party,' he said.
Previous Award winners include: Ms Afi Azaratu Yakubu, Executive Director, Foundation for Security and Development in Africa, Dr David Fuseini Abdulai, Founder, Shekhinah Clinic and Mr George Achibra, Director, PACODEP, Touch a Life Foundation.
The rest are Mrs Janet Adama Mohammed, Director IBSI West Africa Human Rights and Democratization Programme, Mrs Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, Executive Director Ark Foundation, The Right Rev. Vincent Boi-nai, Catholic Bishop of Yendi.
GNA