Sheikh Ali Abubakar Napari joins an esteemed list of past dignitaries to be so honoured
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to peace, coexistence, and unity globally, the Executive Director of The Light Foundation, Sheikh Ali Abubakar Napari, has been honoured with the prestigious TUDEC Peace Award.
The award was presented at TUDEC’s 13th Dialogue and Peace Iftar Dinner, held in Accra, Ghana, under the theme: “Strengthening Peace: Passing the Culture of Dialogue and Peace to Future Generations.”
Sheikh Napari received the award alongside notable persons like Major General Richard Addo Gyane – Commandant of KAIPTC, Right Reverend Dr Abraham Nana Opare-Boakye – Moderator, General Assembly, Presbyterian Church of Ghana; and Kathleen Addy – Chairperson, National Commission for Civic Education, Ghana.
They join an esteemed list of past recipients, including Most Rev Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, Ghana’s National Chief Imam Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu, and former Chief of the Defence Staff, Ghana, Lt Gen Obed Boamah Akwa.
The Award is a distinguished recognition presented by the TUDEC Development Centre to individuals and institutions for their exceptional contributions to peacebuilding, social cohesion, and interfaith dialogue in Ghana and beyond.
The ceremony attracted high-profile personalities from various sectors, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, tolerance, and cooperation in fostering peaceful coexistence.
In his acceptance speech, Sheikh Ali Abubakar Napari stated that the Light Foundation are deeply committed to promoting peace and fostering peaceful coexistence.
He revealed that the foundation has dedicated itself to initiatives that encourage harmony and understanding within communities adding that one of their most impactful efforts was during the recent elections, where the foundation developed a Peace Sermon Guide which was carefully researched and designed to support religious leaders—both Imams and pastors—across all 16 regions of Ghana.
“We have built a strong network of about 1,500 religious leaders who are actively working with us to promote peace and other social initiatives” he noted.
According to him, the Light Foundation goal is to empower these leaders with the tools and guidance they need to address peace and unity in their sermons, fostering a culture of dialogue and mutual respect among their congregations.
He said the foundation remain committed to this cause and will continue to support initiatives that build peaceful and resilient communities.
TUDEC, a Turkish non-governmental organization for science, culture, charity, and education purposes, was founded in Accra, Ghana, in June 2011 by professionals from the business, educational, medical and legal sectors.
The organisation works to facilitate educational, cultural, commercial, and humanitarian exchanges in Ghana and beyond.