Mr Robert P. Jackson, the US Ambassador, presented a plaque each, embossed with the bust of Martin Luther King, to Dr Mensah-Kutin and Mr Debra, commending them for courageously taking a stand for justice in the country.

Dr Mensah-Kutin, the Director of the West African Regional Office of ABANTU for Development, was recognised for her indefatigable work as a champion for women’s rights.\Mr Debra, President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations, was honoured for his lifelong fight for the rights of persons with disability.

Since 2008, the US Embassy has recognised one or more Ghanaians who, in the same spirit as the legend Dr King, have promoted social justice, peace and human rights.The annual award ceremony was started by former US Ambassador, Pamela Bridgewater, which has lasted through the years.

Past winners include; Professor Emmanuel Gyimah Boadi of CDD; Sheik Dr Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, National Chief Imam; Mrs Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, Executive Director of Ark Foundation; Ms Afi Azaratu Yakubu, Executive Director of the Foundation for Security and Development; and Professor Rev. Emmanuel Asante, Chairman of the National Peace Council.

Mr Jackson described Dr Mensah-Kutin and Mr Debra as “so accomplished” that their work and achievements were worth celebrating.The Ambassador said Dr King took a stand to defend the civil rights of African Americans and dreamt of the day when his children and every American would be treated with dignity and judged based on the content of their character.

“Dr King, successfully, exhorted millions including Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson - to see the justice of the civil rights movement, defend by peace, but shaped by courage and sacrifice,” he said. “He understood that change does not happen overnight but that citizens have the rights to take a stand to promote justice.”

 “Dr King taught us that greatness of a nation is not defined and shaped by its government”. Mr Jackson said Dr King defined a nation as one shaped by its people; where the people are not afraid to stand up and say, “I deserve equal access to my democracy. I deserve equal access to education. I deserve equal access to opportunity”.

He commended Dr Mensah-Kutin for committing not to advance her own vision but rather to “paying forward” lessons learned for other generations to further expand women’s rights at all levels and in all sectors.

“She is a hero for women and for all Ghanaians, and it is my honour to recognise her today,” he said.On the achievements of Mr Debra, the Ambassador said: “He has been a tireless voice for including persons with disabilities in Ghana’s development at all levels”.

Dr Mensah-Kutin, in response, said she was humbled to receive an award that was associated with Dr Martin Luther King Jr.

“I want to believe that this is something that will spur younger generations on to contribute to the wellbeing of this country. I am urging the young women and men to strive to contribute towards the wellbeing of this country,” she said.

“As I aged, I will continue to be there to guide the younger generation and nurture and guide them to use the opportunities available in very positive way.” Mr Debra, on his part, said the award had significance for all persons with disabilities and in leadership, expressing joy that the work over, the years, had yielded so many dividends through the concerted fight that had contributed towards “getting persons with disability their proud place in society.’’

“We are playing our part so those who are coming after us will also have to take the fights, because as of now we can say that the disability situation is far improved than several decades ago.’’