President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, addressing the nation during the 2024 National Honours Awards ceremony in Accra, highlighted Ghana’s ongoing commitment to comprehensive reforms across key sectors. He emphasized the nation’s pursuit of transformative change in governance, education, and industry, underscoring these initiatives as a testament to the collective spirit and collaborative efforts of the Ghanaian people. The President presented a range of national awards, recognizing individuals and institutions for their exceptional contributions to the nation’s progress. These accolades, including the Order of the Star of Ghana, the Order of the Volta, the Medal for Gallantry, and Presidential Certificates of Distinguished Service, served as a powerful symbol of national pride and recognition.
Among the distinguished honorees was Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who received the Order of the Star of Ghana in acknowledgement of his pivotal role in spearheading Ghana’s digital transformation. The President lauded Dr. Bawumia’s leadership and tireless efforts in modernizing the national economy and enhancing its resilience through technological advancements. This recognition highlighted the importance of digital innovation in Ghana’s development strategy. Further emphasizing the importance of public service, Ambassador Mercy Yvonne Debra Karikari, the nation’s first female Cabinet Secretary, and the Honourable Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, a long-serving Member of Parliament and Minister, were both bestowed with the Order of the Volta. Their dedicated service and contributions to the nation’s political landscape were celebrated as exemplary models of leadership.
The ceremony also extended its reach beyond contemporary figures, posthumously honoring the pan-African leader Marcus Garvey with the Order of the Star of Ghana. President Akufo-Addo underscored the enduring relevance of Garvey’s pan-African ideals, calling upon Ghanaians to embrace unity within the global African community and actively shape their collective destiny. This gesture emphasized the historical context of Ghana’s progress and its connection to broader pan-African movements. Furthermore, several key institutions, including the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Prison Service, and the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, received the Presidential Plaque of Distinguished Service. The President commended these institutions for their embodiment of teamwork, dedication, and institutional excellence, highlighting their critical roles in upholding national security, maintaining order, and fostering intellectual growth.
The 2024 National Honours Awards ceremony, established in 1960 by Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, served as a platform to celebrate the diverse contributions of individuals and organizations across various sectors. The distribution of awards spanned a wide spectrum of accomplishments, reflecting the comprehensive nature of national development. Eight organizations were recognized with Presidential Honours for Distinguished Service, acknowledging their significant impact on the nation’s progress. In addition, 26 individuals received the Grand Medal, further highlighting individual contributions to various fields.
The Order of the Volta, a prestigious award recognizing distinguished service to the nation, was presented to 46 recipients across three different categories: 28 Members, 15 Officers, and three Companions. This tiered system acknowledged the varying levels of contribution and impact within the realm of public service. Finally, seven esteemed Ghanaians were honored with the Order of the Star of Ghana Member awards, the highest national honor, signifying their exceptional dedication and service to the nation. This diverse array of awards underscored the importance of recognizing and celebrating excellence in all its forms.
President Akufo-Addo, in his concluding remarks, expressed unwavering confidence in Ghana’s developmental trajectory. He attributed the nation’s bright future to the collective efforts of individuals and institutions dedicated to national progress. He emphasized the transformative power of collective action, highlighting the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving national aspirations. The President envisioned Ghana as a beacon of hope for Africa and the world, symbolizing the potential for progress and development through dedicated and collective effort. The ceremony served not only as a celebration of past achievements but also as an inspiration for future generations to contribute to the ongoing narrative of Ghana’s growth and development.
