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The Afro-Asian Development Organisation (AARDO) has honoured Professor Kwamena Ahwoi, Principal Lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) for his immense contribution to Ghana�s decentraliation programme, local government administration and rural development. A statement from Ghana's High Commission in India made available to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, said Prof. Ahwoi was honoured by Shri Jairam Ramesh, Minister of Rural Development, at a ceremony in New Delhi to mark the 50th anniversary celebration of AARDO. In a citation, AARDO commended Prof. Ahwoi for his immense contribution towards the success of Ghana�s decentralisation programme, local government administration and rural development as well as consolidating AARDO�s activities in the West African Sub-Region during his almost 12 years tenure as a Minister of State in Ghana. Prof. Ahwoi was President of AARDO from 1991-1993. Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, who led Ghana�s delegation to the celebration said it provided a unique opportunity for AARDO to come out with innovative ideas to attract more countries and create more resources to support member countries in poverty reduction and capacity building. He said Ghana had benefitted consistently in capacity building for various public and private sector officials through a wide range of training programmes under AARDO sponsorship in India, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea and Nigeria, contributing to the development of human capital of Ghana. The Sector Minister said the Ministry had in collaboration with some District Assemblies since 1998 benefitted from AARDO funding to the tune of over $100,000 to resource some rural based cottage industries and other facilities. One of the highlights at the ceremony was the screening of a documentary on rural development in Ghana. AARDO was established in 1962 to foster Afro-Asian collaboration to promote rural poverty reduction and build capacity as well as human capital in member ountries. Ghana joined the organisation in 1965 and has benefitted from its micro enterprise finance for selected groups in eight districts in Ghana.