Accra, Aug 9, GNA - The Graduate School of Governance and Leadership in Accra on Tuesday conferred on Vice President John Dramani Mahama "The African Servant Leadership" award for his social and political contribution to governance in Ghana.

The award formed part of the School's honorary programme conferred on people for their contribution to nation-building.

The Rev Gideon Titi-Ofei, Governor General of the School, led a delegation from the School to present the award to the Vice President at th= e Castle, Osu.

He said the Vice President Mahama showed social and political leadership when he worked with Plan Ghana, an international non-governmenta= l organization, Japan International Cooperation Agency and as a Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi from 1996 to 2008. Rev. Titi-Ofei described Vice President Mahama as 93a beacon of hope and unity for the African continent" and appealed to other Africans entrusted with leadership positions to exhibit high levels of discretion and performance to enhance democracy.

"The Vice President is receiving the African Servant Leadership" award because of his exemplary leadership role he displayed, dating back from his days as a social worker, a Member of Parliament and today, the second gentleman of the land," he said.

He pledged the School's desire to team up with African leaders to promote quality leadership and responsibility in the coming years. Vice President Mahama dedicated the award to President John Evans Mills, the people of Ghana and God for reposing confidence in him to serve the country and Africa in general.

He said the award was a challenge for him to work harder to achieve other goals that would subsequently benefit the entire country. "I am grateful for this award which I deem as an honour and will therefore work harder to achieve others that will be beneficial to the entire nation."

The School last month awarded institutions and individuals in the areas of Social Service, Entrepreneurial Development, Civil Society leadership, Medical Leadership, Security leadership, Women Empowerment and political leadership.