Cape Coast, Nov 22, GNA- President John Agyekum Kufuor, was on Saturday honoured by the University of Cape Coast (UCC) with an honorary doctorate degree in law at a special congregation held at the UCC, Cape Coast. President Kufuor, is the first sitting President in the country, to be given such an award by the University, which has conferred similar honours on 24 eminent personalities, including non-Ghanaians of varying backgrounds and fields of endeavour.

A citation accompanying the award read by the Registrar of the UCC, Mr Kofi Ohene said, "President Kufuor, was being honoured in the light of his distinguished service to Ghana, the international community and to humanity. "The UCC was proud to honour him as an eminent statesman, lawyer and peace maker", the Registrar said.

The citation lauded the President's performance and recognised that since he assumed office, he and his government have demonstrated in concrete and practical terms their belief and commitment to democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights.

" You have shown adequate political will and commitment to the socio-economic upliftment of Ghanaians by embarking on various President's Special Initiatives (PSIs). Ghanaians are proud of your Initiatives on Information Communication Technology (ICT), Distance Education, Agriculture and Small and Medium Scale Industries".

The citation said the President had also ensured the continuity of governance in Ghana by taking bold and pragmatic policies geared towards the maintenance of peace, poverty alleviation and development. It commended his contributions towards conflict resolution and peacekeeping in the West African Sub-Region and that his efforts had also contributed immensely towards fostering unity and cooperation in the ECOWAS Sub-Region.

"No wonder, Mr President, your exploits have resulted in your election as the Chairman of ECOWAS just within two years on assumption of office", the citation said.

The President, accompanied by his wife Theresa, had earlier been ushered into the university campus amidst pomp and pageantry, with pupils of the Philip Quaicoe Girls' School blowing the 'mmensoun' in his honour. It was a sight to behold, as joy was visibly seen on the faces of those present, including traditional rulers, members of the Council of State, Diplomatic Corps, Ministers of State and other dignitaries.

To climax the occasion, President Kufuor stood up for him to be robed in his academic gown and cap by the Chairman of the UCC Council, Dr Charles Mensah and the Vice-Chancellor, the Reverend Professor Emmanuel Adow Obeng, amidst appellations in praise of him.