The National Youth Organiser of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sammy Awuku, has been honoured by the All Africa Students Union (AASU) as the 2017 Continental Youth Icon.

The award was part of AASU’s Youth Summit annual event which honours individuals and institutions that have championed or contributed to education and youth related development.

READ MORE: Nana Addo urged to fight corruption with action, not mere words

This year's Summit, being the 6th of its kind, was under the theme "A Holistic Approach To Quality Assurance In African Higher Educational Institutions - Pragmatic Interventions By The Supply And Demand Actors."

The relevance of this year's Summit is hinged on recent trends that suggest that the issues of access, equity, relevance, comparability and cost of Higher Education are becoming the key talking points at high level dialogues and acknowledged now as having the impetus to drive national development.

READ ALSO: Nana Addo repeating same mistakes committed by Mahama - Steve Manteaw

Mr Peter Kwasi Kodjie, Secretary General and Head of Mission of AASU at the presentation lauded Sammy Awuku for being a role model to the youth of Ghana.

The citation for Sammy Awuku reads: "we wish to recognise you for your long standing relationship with AASU and your unwavering commitment to the empowerment of the students and youth of the continent. Your show of exemplary leadership, especially during the 2016 general elections in Ghana serves as an unalloyed inspiration to the students and youth of Africa.

READ MORE: SSNIT is a corrupt institution – Kennedy Agyapong

"This award further serves as an acknowledgement of your consistent advocacy for your students and youth right; and your direct engagements of young people across Africa. Your continuous guidance and mentorship of many students and young people across Africa has not gone unnoticed by AASU."