with African National Achievement Award

*GHANAIAN PRESIDENT TO ACCEPT AFRICAN NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF GHANA***

*The Africa-America Institute (AAI) to honor Ghana for nurturing democracy and peaceful transfers of power since ending military rule

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*WHAT:* *The Africa-America Institute* (AAI), a leading New York-based international education and policy organization, will honor Ghana with the *AAI* *Award for African National Achievement *at its 25th Annual Awards Gala on September 21, 2009 in New York City. *His Excellency John Evans Atta Mills*, President of the Republic of Ghana, will accept the award on behalf of the People of Ghana.

AAI will recognize Ghana’s steadfast commitment to good governance and building a sustainable, democratic nation since ending military rule. With two successive peaceful transfers of power after closely contested presidential elections, Ghana will be honored as an exemplar for other countries on the African continent. Ghana has also achieved considerable progress in its work towards creating a more prosperous future through smart investments in the Ghanaian people to elevate the country’s potential.

Held annually during the opening week of the United Nations General Assembly, distinguished U.S. and African leaders and top diplomats will gather for the most high profile Africa-focused event in New York City. The annual Awards Gala brings together hundreds of business, government, political and civil society leaders from across the African continent and the United States.

Other major gala honorees are *Vartan Gregorian, President of the Carnegie Corporation of New York*, receiving the *AAI Award for Leadership in Higher Education* *Philanthropy* in recognition of his steadfast commitment to strengthening tertiary education in Africa; and *Nicky Oppenheimer, Chairman of De Beers*, receiving the *AAI Award for Championing Corporate Social Responsibility** *in recognition of his role in redefining corporate social responsibility as sound business strategies that* *“translate natural resources to shared national wealth.”

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*Femi Oke*, Senior Editor and Anchor of *The TakeAway*, a national public radio morning news program, will serve as the Masters of Ceremony. The *Reverend Calvin O. Butts* III, pastor of Harlem’s historic and nationally renowned Abyssinian Baptist Church, will offer the opening invocation. The evening’s festivities will feature a silent auction of fine African art, hosted by Amaridian Gallery.

This year’s major corporate sponsors include *Constant Capital Partners*, * Chevron*, *DeBeers*, and *The Coca-Cola Company*.

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*WHEN:* *Monday, September 21, 2009*

6:00PM – Cocktail Reception

7:00 PM – Dinner and Awards Ceremony

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*WHERE:* Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Battery Park

* *Two West Street, New York City

*NOTE: Due to space constraints, the AAI gala will not be open to the media. A press release and event photos will be available following the gala.*

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*ABOUT AAI:* The Africa-America Institute is a New York-based international education and policy

organization with offices in South Africa and Mozambique and an alumni presence throughout the African continent. Since 1953, AAI has worked to educate and train African leaders and professionals and foster greater understanding between Africa and the United States. Today, AAI counts more than 23,000 alumni, including Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai, Namibian Prime Minister Nahas Angula, and New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) CEO Firmino Mucavele.