From Benjamin Mensah, GNA Special Correspondent, New York

New York, Sept 23, GNA - The Africa-America Institute (AAI) has presented President John Atta Mills with the "African National Achievement Award" at its 25th Annual Awards Gala in New York. In a citation preceding the award President Atta Mills was commended for his personal contribution to teaching and learning as well as his commitment to giving depth and breadth to Ghana's democratic dispensation.

The AAI also gave high praise to the President and Ghana's renaissance as the Africa's beacon of hope.

The Chairman of the Board, Mr Kofi Appenteng, said on Tuesday, "Tonight we salute and celebrate the people of Ghana and their commitment to education as an essential path to prosperity and means to building enduring democratic systems and institutions.

"We are honoured that President John Evans Atta Mills agreed to receive this tribute on behalf of his fellow citizens," he said. President Mills thanked AAI for doing him the honour and presenting him with the Institute's highest award and described the AAI as a forward-looking institute that continues to play a pivotal role in human resource development in Ghana as well as the African continent. President Mills reiterated his administration's commitment to develop human capital embodied in the government's philosophy of investing in people and said the government would continue to co-operate with the institute to give valuable education and skills training to Ghanaians. He also congratulated Mrs. Dinah Bradful, Assistant Commissioner and Head of Laboratory of the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS), who was presented with the AAI Distinguished Alumna Award.