Former mayor of Accra and current Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South Constituency Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije as well as Professor Azumah Nelson and ‘Nii Kwade Okropon I’ received awards of excellence from the ‘Africa Rules the Rest of the World Movement(ARRM)’ for their contribution to development in various spheres of life.
The initiative is aimed at recognizing, acknowledging and projecting well-meaning Ghanaians who through excellence have proven themselves to be outstanding amongst their colleagues in contributing to development on the African continent.
The three, who were recognized, received the award at the launch of the movement’s ‘United States of Africa’ Project, aimed at suggesting to the various legislators in Africa to form a united front that would implement policies and initiatives aimed at promoting holistic development of all countries on the African Continent.
At the award ceremony, the MP for Ablekuma South was acknowledged for his leadership qualities and result oriented developmental initiatives which earned him the position of being the President for the Global Alliance of Mayors & Leaders of Africa and of African Descent in 2014.
Also mentioned was his excellence and immense contribution in improving sanitation in the city of Accra which earned him a continental Award as the Best Mayor in Africa in 2015.
His influential leadership and courage that led to the end of the shift system in Accra and his role in improving education in Ghana and the United States of America.
In his acceptance speech, he paid tribute to the founding fathers of Africa and their efforts in building a formidable foundation of development and also acknowledged that the fight to build Africa is not far -etched but very attainable;
“We are committing ourselves to say that we would not be found wanting but we will rise in the spirit of our founders who believed in themselves, believed in us, that they have left us with a legacy to continue the great work for Africa to Unite and to Rise to leading the world”.
The movement, which is a non-political organization, also recognized and presented a certificate of honour and a citation to Professor Azumah Nelson for his laudable achievements, sportsmanship and support for the youth in sports especially in the area of boxing.
Professor Azumah Nelson encouraged the teeming youth to support the initiative aimed at building Africa to lead the rest of the world – adding that can be achieved through love for one another.
The La Abese Adonten Divisional Mantse, ‘Nii Kwade Okropon I’ was acknowledged for his contribution to community development and various forms of support to individuals.
He pledged his support for the award scheme and the United States of Africa project, calling on all to join the movement help build Africa.
By Listowell Acquaye|Accra, Ghana