President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo celebrated the contributions of his appointees, ministers, and other prominent figures across various sectors during the Ghana National Awards ceremony. The event acknowledged individuals for their exceptional service to national development and public service.
Among the honourees was Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who received the ‘Order of the Star of Ghana, Officer’ award for his pivotal role in advancing Ghana’s economic policies and driving digital transformation.
Other awardees included Mavis Hawa Koomson, MP for Awutu Senya East; Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, MP for Manhyia South; and Dr. Ernest Addison, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, among others.
The National Honors and Awards, established in 1960 by Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, aim to celebrate creativity, innovation, excellence, and hard work. Over the years, these awards have highlighted the achievements of Ghanaians who have made significant impacts in diverse fields.
Despite the ceremony’s prestige, it has faced public criticism, with some questioning the selection criteria and alleging that certain appointees who were awarded have underperformed in their roles.
Award Categories:
The National Honors and Awards are presented across multiple categories:
The Grand Order of the Star and Eagles of Ghana – The highest national honour, reserved for Presidents of the Republic.
Order of the Star of Ghana – The second-highest award, recognising significant contributions to national development, with classes including Companion, Officer, and Member.
Order of the Volta Award – Awarded for exceptional service in various sectors, divided into Companion, Officer, and Member classes.
Medal for Gallantry – Recognising extraordinary bravery in challenging situations.
The Grand Medal – Honouring notable contributions across public service, education, health, and more.
Presidential Honors for Distinguished Service – Introduced in 2023 to celebrate resilience and service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These awards not only recognise individual excellence but also serve as a reminder of Ghana’s commitment to rewarding hard work and dedication to national progress.