Why Dr. Bawumia Truly Deserves Ghana's Highest Honour

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the Republic of Ghana conferred prestigious national honours on 78 Ghanaians for their sterling service to the nation on December 30, 2024. While the president has been commended for awarding notably deserving hardworking individuals who have endeared themselves to the public, he has also come under scathing criticism for reducing the national honours to their lowest ebb by conferring the honour on some of his appointees and ministers.

The award categories for 2024 included:

Presidential Honours for Distinguished Service
Grand Medal
Order of the Volta (Member)
Order of the Volta (Companion)
Order of the Star of Ghana (Member)
Order of the Star of Ghana (Officer)

Prominent among the deserving awardees of the Order of the Volta (Membership) was JoyNews’ Erastus Asare Donkor, recognised for his outstanding contributions to the nation through his fearless and dedicated journalism, particularly against illegal mining (popularly known as galamsey) (MyJoyOnline, 2024). Other notable awardees included Prof. Paul Kwame Nyame for his outstanding performance in health/public service, Bright Appiah for his exemplary work in championing civil society and child advocacy, and Kwaw Paintsil Ansah for his immense contributions to the creative arts.

However, some government appointees and ministers who received the Order of the Volta award for public service from the president attracted severe backlash. Among them were Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the ruling New Patriotic Party's running mate for the December 7, 2024, elections and Minister of Energy; Dominic Nitiwul, Minister of Defence; Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister of Communications and Digitalisation; and Mavis Hawa Koomson, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development.

The highest distinction, the Order of the Star of Ghana, was awarded to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President of the Republic and the Presidential Candidate of the ruling NPP in the December 2024 elections. Critics of the president argue that honouring his appointees and ministers for perceived poor performance while the economy struggles lowers the value of such prestigious national honours. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the national chairperson of the National Democratic Congress, has been at the forefront of the criticism, describing president Akufo-Addo’s awards as a “mockery” of the country’s honours system (Daily Guide Network, 2025), but I bet to differ.

In the aftermath of Ghana’s contentious December 7, 2024, elections, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia demonstrated his statesmanship and unwavering commitment to national peace and stability. He lost the presidential election to NDC’s John Dramani Mahama by over 1.6 million of the total valid votes cast. His early concession of defeat, less than 24 hours, amidst a tense political climate not only defused a potentially explosive situation but also upheld Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa. This single act of selflessness and leadership warrants the highest commendation and, in my view, justifies the conferment of Ghana’s highest national honour on him.

Defining Moment of Leadership
The 2024 elections were marked by an unprecedented delay in the declaration of results by the Electoral Commission (EC), leading to heightened anxiety and palpable tension across the country. As speculations mounted and tempers flared, the possibility of unrest loomed large, especially on the back of similar previous elections that saw the loss of many lives. At this critical juncture, Dr. Bawumia took the bold and selfless step of conceding defeat less than 24 hours, even before the official announcement of the results.

This decision was not made lightly. It reflected a profound understanding of the volatile situation and a prioritisation of Ghana’s peace and stability over personal or political ambition. By making this concession, Dr. Bawumia effectively diffused the tension, averted potential bloodshed, and set an example of responsible leadership that transcends partisan politics. According to Dr. Bawumia, he made ‘‘…this concession speech before the official announcement by the electoral commission to avoid further tension and preserve the peace of our country.'' (Bawumia, 2024).

The Value of Peace in a Fragile Economy

Ghana’s economy, like many others, has been navigating challenges in the wake of global economic shocks (Though many economists have blamed government’s unprecedented borrowing and mismanagement as major factors for the poor state of the economy rather than exogenous factors). Political instability or violence following the elections could have exacerbated these challenges, leading to further economic decline and hardship for ordinary Ghanaians. Dr. Bawumia’s act of concession protected not only lives but also fragile economic recovery efforts. It sent a clear message to both Ghanaians and the international community that the nation’s democratic institutions remain resilient and its leaders committed to the greater good. In Dr. Bawumia’s own words, ‘‘It is important that the world investor community continues to believe in the peaceful and democratic character of Ghana.'' These are our most important assets. Ghana is more important than our individual political ambitions, and we must always put Ghana first.'' (Bawumia, 2024).

A Well-Deserved Recognition There has been widespread criticism of the national honours recently awarded by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, with many arguing that they were disproportionately given to political appointees and ministers rather than to deserving citizens from diverse walks of life. While I agree with this sentiment to an extent, I believe Dr. Bawumia’s award is a notable exception. His single act of conceding defeat in the face of uncertainty and potential unrest stands out as a singular contribution to national peace and stability.

This act was not only courageous but also deeply impactful, ensuring that Ghana’s democratic process remained intact and its citizens’ lives and livelihoods were protected. For this reason, Dr. Bawumia’s recognition with the highest state honour is not only appropriate but also a necessary acknowledgement of his service to the nation.

Conclusion
In a period marked by tension and uncertainty, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s early concession of defeat in the December 2024 elections exemplified the highest ideals of leadership: humility, foresight, and a commitment to the greater good. While criticisms of the national honours by President Akufo Addo may hold merit in other instances, this particular award is a well-deserved recognition of a leader who chose peace over politics and national stability over personal gain. Dr. Bawumia’s actions have left an indelible mark on Ghana’s democratic history, and his recognition serves as an inspiration for all leaders to prioritise the welfare of their people above all else.

Reference: