NPC Chairman Receives 2014 Martin Luther King Award

The Chairman of the National Peace Council (NPC), the Most Reverend Professor Emmanuel Asante, was on Friday decorated with the 2014 U.S. Embassy Martin Luther King Junior Award for Peace and Social Justice.

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.