"True leadership is not about seeking power or recognition, but about empowering others and making a positive impact on society."
It's interesting how some Ghanaian politicians constantly want to get their way. They do these things without considering how citizens will react.
The 2024 Ghana National Honours and Awards ceremony has sparked controversy, with many questioning the credibility and fairness of the awards. The ceremony, which took place on December 30, 2024, saw President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo honoring individuals for their outstanding contributions to Ghana's development across various sectors.
However, a closer look at the list of awardees reveals a disturbing trend. Many of the recipients are either high-ranking government officials, members of the ruling party, or individuals closely affiliated with the government. This raises serious concerns about partisanship, favoritism, and the politicization of national honors.
The awards, which are meant to recognize and celebrate exceptional achievements and contributions to Ghana's development, have been reduced to a mere tool for rewarding political loyalty and patronage. This not only undermines the integrity and value of the awards but also creates a sense of injustice and exclusion among deserving individuals who have been overlooked.
The list of awardees includes notable figures such as Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who received the Order of the Star of Ghana – Officer award, and other high-ranking government officials, including ministers, deputy ministers, and members of parliament. While some of these individuals may have made significant contributions to Ghana's development, the overwhelming dominance of government officials and ruling party members on the list raises questions about the criteria used to select the awardees.
Furthermore, the awards ceremony has been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability. The selection process is opaque, and the criteria used to evaluate nominees are not clearly defined. This lack of transparency creates an environment conducive to favoritism, cronyism, and corruption.
The politicization of national honors is not unique to Ghana, but it is particularly problematic in a country where the divide between the ruling party and the opposition is often deeply entrenched. The use of national honors as a tool for rewarding political loyalty and patronage only serves to exacerbate this divide and undermine the legitimacy of the awards.
In conclusion, the 2024 Ghana National Honours and Awards ceremony has highlighted the need for a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive approach to recognizing and celebrating exceptional achievements and contributions to Ghana's development. The awards should be based on merit, not political affiliation or loyalty. It is only by doing so that we can restore the integrity and value of these national honors and ensure that they continue to inspire and motivate individuals to make a positive impact on Ghana's development.
The selection committee should be independent of the government and the ruling party, and should comprise individuals from diverse backgrounds and expertise.
The criteria used to evaluate nominees should be clearly defined, transparent, and based on merit.
The selection process should be transparent, and the public should be informed about the nominees, the selection criteria, and the evaluation process.
The awards should recognize and celebrate exceptional achievements and contributions from diverse backgrounds, including women, youth, and marginalized communities.
By taking these steps, we can restore the integrity and value of Ghana's national honors and ensure that they continue to inspire and motivate individuals to make a positive impact on Ghana's development.
By Evans Mawunyo Tsikata