Abena Asomaning-Antwi receives her award from Iain Walker
The Queen of England, Elizabeth II, has acknowledged the work of Abena Asomaning-Antwi, founder of the Angel-Zoe Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Ghana, by conferring on her the Point of Light Award.
The presentation of the award, which took place last Thursday at the British High Commission in Accra, signifies the great impact Mrs. Asomaning Antwi, through Angel-Zoe Foundation, has made in Ghana.
The Point of Light Award recognizes outstanding individual volunteers – people who are making a change in their communities.
It was first established by President George H. W. Bush in 1990, and embraces the challenge of undertaking community need projects through volunteerism.
In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Asomaning-Antwi said, “Angel-Zoe Foundation has come to stay, regardless of the opposition faced and the nonchalant attitude of the same society I sought to help. My weapons in the past 11 years have focused on building relationships with inmates and officers, mentorship, counseling and training.
“We also reconciled inmates and families who want nothing to do with them after their incarceration.”
Sharing her experience in the early stages of the foundation, Mrs. Asomaning-Antwi said, “It wasn’t easy when I decided to quit corporate work and concentrate solely on Angel-Zoe Foundation. But I pursued this singular cause quietly, because many corporate entities I approached for support refused to help. Angel Zoe Foundation was too unpopular, and often didn’t fit into their corporate social responsibility plans. And today here I am with the evidence of my desire.”
She expressed her appreciation for the award, saying “it was never intended for prestige or recognition, but alas, here we are. The Point of Light recognition will definitely spur me on to pursue further the welfare of the vulnerable in my country and elsewhere.”
The British High Commissioner, Iain Walker, explained that “the Point of Light Award acknowledges the power of the individual to cause change and improve the world, and has celebrated more than 6,000 winners so far.”