JAK shortlisted for African Personality Award

President John Kuffour has been shortlisted for the African Personality Award for 2005, according to reports from the West Africa Youth Network (WAYN).

Kufuor made the final shortlist alongside Gambian president, Yahya Jammeh; George Weah, World Footballer of the Year and Liberia?s unsuccessful presidential aspirant; President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria; President Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson of Liberia; and Roger Yombe of Cameroon (Nepad).

Confirming this to the Gambian Daily Observer, Abdul Jobe, Country Coordinator of the WAYN, said at least 42 personalities were initially shortlisted in the region, adding that ?six are now shortlisted for the final segment of the prestigious African Award?.

According to him, a committee of 16 young people from across the region headed by Arthur M Becker, WAYN Coordinator in Liberia, are working hard to come up with the winner.

He added: ?The most successful personality will be formally awarded at the Ecowas Youth Forum in Banjul this June. This will help to promote the continent and encouraging other individuals to emulate the good examples of distinguished African personalities.?

Mr Jobe pointed out that the award sought to recognise the ?role played by individuals in the realisation of the continent?s objectives?. He added: ?This must include the promotion of peace, human rights, good governance, democracy, sustainable development, poverty alleviation, HIV/Aids prevention, as well as the creation of open societies.? More emphasis, he said, was laid on youth development. He continued: ?President Jammeh has been very instrumental in all these areas. Thus, he deserves the award.?

WAYN is a regional youth empowerment organization established in March 2001.