On December 4th, 2010, Patrick Awuah was awarded the Millenium Excellence Award for Educational Development. Held once every five years, the Millennium Excellence Awards celebrate individuals and organizations that have had a positive impact on African society. The Millennium Excellence Awards are managed by the Millennium Excellence Awards Foundation and headed by the Life Patron, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene.
Dr. Awuah was recognized for his outstanding leadership in the area of educational reform. He was cited as an outspoken champion of improving the quality of education in Africa and lauded for his work founding Ashesi University College. Under Patrick's guidance Ashesi has grown from a student population of just 30 students in 2002 to over 500 today. Ashesi is known for its innovative liberal arts curriculum and focus on quality instruction.
Awards were given in many categories including Scientific Development, Humanitarian Work, Medical Leadership, Environmental Protection and Literature Development. The prestigious Gold Coast Award was presented to Dr. Kwadwo Afari Gyan, the head of Ghana's National Electoral Commission, which oversaw successful democratic elections in 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008. Under his leadership the Electoral Commission has overseen two peaceful transitions of power between political parties (2000 and 2008).