Renowned Ghanaian evangelist and global Christian leader, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, is set to be honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize by the Millennium Excellence Foundation. The award recognizes his outstanding contribution to Christianity, humanitarian work, and the transformation of countless lives across the African continent and beyond through decades of selfless ministry. The grand ceremony will be held on May 10, 2025, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, the official seat of the Asantehene, His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who also serves as the Life Patron of the Foundation.
Picture: Life Patron of the Millennium Excellence Foundation, H.E Otumfuo Osei-Tutu II (Left) and President of the republic of Ghana, H.E John Dramani Mahama (right)
The event will take place as part of the Millennium Excellence Awards, a high-level national celebration that is held every five years to honour individuals whose work has significantly impacted their communities, nations, and Africa as a whole. The Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize stands as one of the most distinguished honours presented by the Foundation, symbolizing exceptional dedication to service, excellence, and visionary leadership.
Bishop Dag Heward-Mills is the founder and presiding bishop of the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches. He began his ministry in 1986 with a fellowship of just five people in a canteen. Two years later, he officially established Lighthouse Chapel International, which has since grown into a global movement with a presence in 190 nations.
Picture: Official photo of Bishop Dag Heward-Mills
Over the years, Bishop Heward-Mills has launched various ministries, most notably the Healing Jesus Campaign—one of the largest evangelistic crusades in the world—founded in 2004. The campaign has taken the gospel to over 24 countries across Africa and has become a beacon of hope in villages, towns, and cities through large-scale open-air crusades.
Picture: Bishop Dag Heward-Mills preaching to thousands in Brazzaville, Congo on the Healing Jesus Campaign
The campaign also includes free medical outreaches for underserved communities and conferences known as the Work of the Ministry, where pastors and church leaders are trained, equipped, and empowered. Countless pastors have benefitted from Bishop Heward-Mills’ teachings on leadership, church growth, loyalty, and the anointing.
In later years, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills also founded the First Love Church, a dynamic and youth-driven ministry that rapidly became one of the most vibrant Christian movements in Ghana. With its youthful energy, contemporary worship, and focus on evangelism, the First Love Church attracted thousands of students and young professionals, establishing branches in cities across Ghana and beyond. It remains one of the fastest-growing arms of his denomination.
In addition to his evangelistic work, Bishop Heward-Mills is the founder of the Anagkazo Bible and Ministry Training Center (ABMTC), located in the serene Akuapem mountains. This campus is one of the largest privately-owned ministry training institutions in Ghana and has raised thousands of missionaries and ministers of the gospel.
Picture: Entrance of the Anagkazo Bible School, Mampong
According to the Head of Corporate at the Millennium Excellence Foundation, Mr. Ernest Buamah, the Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize is a distinguished individual honour within the broader Millennium Excellence Awards framework. He emphasized that the award is given to individuals whose lifelong contributions have significantly shaped the progress and development of Africa. Mr. Buamah disclosed this information in a conversation with Christian News Anchor, Yeboah Edwin Takyi.
The Millennium Excellence Foundation is chaired by visionary leader Nana Agyeman Prempeh, who also serves on numerous prestigious boards including the World Trade Centre, the Red Cross, the Nxzwake Institute, Global Haulage, and the Millennium Marathon. Born on January 14, 1961, Nana Prempeh is deeply passionate about the advancement of Africa and is a strong advocate for empowering the youth to take part in policy and leadership decisions shaping the continent’s future. He believes that Africa’s youth must come together to craft policies that will lead to long-term, sustainable development, and reverse the continent’s economic dependence on the West.
The awards ceremony from May 8–10, 2025, will be graced by notable dignitaries from across the continent and beyond. His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, will be the Very Special Guest of Honour, adding an extra layer of significance to the event. The honouring of Bishop Dag Heward-Mills is scheduled for May 10th, and it is expected to be a deeply moving moment, recognizing decades of tireless service, soul-winning, and unwavering commitment to the cause of Christ.