Paragraph 1: Celebrating Excellence and National Contribution
Ghana’s National Honours and Awards ceremony, held on December 30, 2024, served as a platform to recognize and celebrate the exceptional achievements of Ghanaians across various fields. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo presided over the event, bestowing honors upon individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service, unwavering dedication, and significant contributions to the nation’s progress. This prestigious event underscores the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the efforts of citizens who have played a pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s development trajectory. The awards serve not only as a testament to individual accomplishments but also as an inspiration to future generations to strive for excellence and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s growth.
Paragraph 2: Recognizing Leadership and Public Service
Among the distinguished recipients of the 2024 National Honours and Awards was Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who was conferred the highest distinction of the year, the Order of the Star of Ghana – Officer Award. This prestigious accolade recognizes Dr. Bawumia’s exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to public service. Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Vice President’s running mate in the recent elections and Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, was also honored with the Order of the Volta – Officer Award, acknowledging his significant contributions to public life. These awards highlight the vital role of political leadership in driving national development and underscore the importance of recognizing those who dedicate themselves to serving the nation.
Paragraph 3: Honoring Contributions Across Diverse Sectors
The 2024 National Honours and Awards encompassed a wide range of sectors, recognizing individuals who have made significant impacts in their respective fields. Several Members of Parliament and government appointees, including Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, Kweku Ofori Asiamah, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Kwasi Amoako-Atta, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, Mavis Hawa Koomson, Ambrose Dery, Dominic Nitiwul, and Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, received the Order of the Volta – Officer Award for their contributions to public service. The creative arts sector also received prominent recognition, with renowned musicians Daddy Lumba and Gyedu Blay Ambolley, along with filmmaker Juliet Asante, being honored for their enduring impact on Ghanaian music and the arts. This broad recognition across diverse sectors reflects the multifaceted nature of national development and the importance of contributions from all segments of society.
Paragraph 4: Acknowledging Service and Advocacy
The Order of the Volta – Member Award recognized individuals who have demonstrated notable service in both public and voluntary sectors. Recipients included Nana Kwasi Agyekum Dwamena for his contributions to public service, Prof. Paul Kwame Nyame for his work in health and public service, Dr. James Orleans-Lindsay for his contributions to real estate and construction, Bright Appiah for his advocacy in civil society and child rights, and Eric Ebo Acquah for his work in real estate and landscaping. These awards highlight the significance of individual contributions across a spectrum of fields, from public administration and healthcare to civil society activism and environmental development.
Paragraph 5: A Legacy of Recognition and Appreciation
The National Honours and Awards, instituted in 1960 under the leadership of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, has become a cornerstone of Ghana’s tradition of recognizing and celebrating its citizens’ accomplishments. This enduring legacy reflects the nation’s commitment to acknowledging the contributions of individuals who have dedicated themselves to national development. In 2023, President Akufo-Addo introduced a new category, the Presidential Honours for Distinguished Service, specifically to honor individuals and institutions that demonstrated remarkable resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. This addition reflects the evolving nature of the awards and their adaptability to recognize extraordinary contributions in times of crisis.
Paragraph 6: The Order of the Volta: Symbol of National Progress
The Order of the Volta, a distinguished honor, is symbolized by a seven-pointed star medal, representing the Volta Hydro Scheme and the power it generates, a testament to Ghana’s progress and development. The award has three classifications: Companion (CV), awarded for distinguished service across diverse fields; Officer (OV), recognizing exceptional contributions to public service; and Member (MV), acknowledging notable contributions in public and voluntary sectors. The Order of the Volta is not awarded posthumously, and recipients are entitled to use the corresponding post-nominal initials. Eligibility extends to individuals from various sectors, including civil service, military, police, judiciary, education, public health, sports, culture, commerce, and agriculture. The award’s design and criteria reflect the nation’s commitment to recognizing outstanding service and contributions across all facets of Ghanaian society.
