On Monday, December 30, 2024, a number of Ghanaians who have achieved success in their vocations over the years were honored nationally.
The awards were given out by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in recognition of their exceptional service, diligence, selflessness, and contributions to the advancement of the country.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia was one of the awardees, receiving the highest honor of the year, the renowned Order of the Star of Ghana – Officer Award.
At the 2024 National Honors and Awards and the Presidential Honors for Distinguished Service, which were hosted in Accra, Dr. Bawumia headed a list of government officials and members of parliament who received recognition.
The Vice President is the sole recipient of the Order of the Star of Ghana – Officer Award this year. His running mate in the just-ended elections and Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, received the Order of the Volta – Officer Award for his contributions to public service. This category also includes 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.
The creative arts sector was also well-represented, with Daddy Lumba, Gyedu Blay Ambolley, and Juliet Asante receiving awards for their significant contributions to music and the arts.
Order of the Volta – Member Awardees
- Nana Kwasi Agyekum Dwamena – Public Service
- Prof. Paul Kwame Nyame – Health/Public Service
- Dr. James Orleans-Lindsay – Real Estate/Construction
- Bright Appiah – Civil Society/Child Advocacy
- Eric Ebo Acquah – Real Estate/Landscaping
About the awards
A notable national ceremony known as the National Honours and Awards honors Ghanaian nationals who have distinguished themselves in a variety of fields. The award, which honors creativity, invention, excellence, and hard work, was established in 1960 to honor Ghanaians who have significantly contributed to the country’s growth in a variety of fields.
When Dr. Kwame Nkrumah led Ghana to become a Republic in 1960, the first celebration was held. Since then, the program has grown to be a significant custom for honoring worthy people and international nationals.
In 2023, President Akufo-Addo created a new category, the Presidential Honours for Distinguished Service, to honor people and organizations that demonstrated exceptional fortitude throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Akufo-Addo commended people, organizations, and international development partners for their collective efforts to protect lives and mobilize resources.
Award Categories for 2024:
- 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)
About the Order of the Volta Award
The Order of the Volta consists of a seven-pointed star medal worn with a ribbon collar, sash, pendant, and rosette. The medal’s design symbolizes the Volta Hydro Scheme and the power it generates. There are three classes within the Order:
- Companion: In 18-carat gold, awarded for distinguished service in various fields.
- Officer: In silver, awarded for exceptional contributions to public service.
- Member: In silver, for notable service in public and voluntary sectors.
Eligible recipients come from sectors such as civil service, military, police, judiciary, education, public health, sports, culture, commerce, and agriculture.
The award is not conferred posthumously or immediately after the service. Recipients may use post-nominal initials for each class: CV (Companion), OV (Officer), and MV (Member).
