Kufuor Speaks On Awards

AFTER DAYS of heated discussions on the controversial National Awards, President J.A. Kufuor has spoken about the rationale behind the tall list.

President Kufuor as well explained the institution of the Eagle and Stars of Ghana' to be bestowed on Heads of State, saying the award was not for his personal vanity but instituted to acknowledge the importance of the high office.

He said the Order of the Star was the soul of the nation created to give due respect to the Office. Besides, he said, it would serve as emulation for his successors since such an award had not been instituted.

President Kufuor stated these when His Beatitude Theororos II, Pope and Patriarch Alexandria and all Africa of the Greek Orthodox Church conferred the Highest honour of 'Grand Medal of St Mark' on him at the Castle, Osu at the weekend.

The honour, equivalent to a knighthood is given to either Presidents or Head of the Orthodox Church and was in recognition for President Kufuor's democratic credentials and active contribution in many fields of endeavour in the sub-Region.

President Kufuor expressed dismay about how the awards scheduled for Thursday, July 3 had generated so much debate in the country, noting that the list was made after a painstaking consideration, adding “whatever I am doing is from my conscience”.

“There is controversy all over Ghana. Some people are complaining that the list is too long and that there was political contempt. Others are saying Kufuor wants to award himself state honour.

By implication, they say the award is vague. They are entitled to their view,” President Kufuor averred.

He said he believed in tradition and adornment which was why he was awarding the distinguished sons and daughters of the country to acknowledge the contribution that has propelled the socio-economic factors of the country.

President Kufuor therefore expressed the hope that people would understand the rationale behind awarding its deserving citizens.

There has been controversy since President Kufuor released the list of 268 citizens of the land as well as some foreign nationals.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has said that the essence of the national awards has been debased by the Kufuor Administration.

According to the NDC the full list of award winners reveals a cynical ploy to confer state honours on President Kufuor himself and almost his entire cabinet and Government, using a few NDC officials as tokens of justification and even-handedness in the process.

President Kufuor accepted the honour bestowed on him by the Orthodox Church.

His Beatitude who was in the country for the 25th anniversary of the church said Ghana was a shining example for the rest of the African countries.

By Sheilla Sackey