The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has strongly condemned President Akufo-Addo’s process for conferring state awards.

Speaking at the 43rd anniversary celebration of the 31st December Revolution, Asiedu Nketia questioned the criteria used for awarding honors and the impact it has on national values.

According to him, state awards should be reserved for individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the country’s progress or upheld values of integrity.

He argued that awarding such honors to individuals with questionable backgrounds undermines the significance of the awards and sets a bad precedent for the youth.

“State awards are serious business. They must be reserved for people of distinction, those who have fought for a good cause. If we award state honors to vigilante groups and individuals with questionable backgrounds, we are teaching the youth that it is acceptable to pick up weapons and shoot at people. We are sending the message that it is acceptable to loot state coffers when given the opportunity to serve as a minister,” he said.

The NDC Chairman proposed the establishment of a legally backed committee to ensure fairness and objectivity in determining who qualifies for national recognition.

“I suggest that it is time we establish a proper committee, backed by law, to help determine who should earn a national award. It should not be left to the whims and caprices of people like Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.”

"State awards must be reserved for people of distinction, people who have fought for a good cause..."

The National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketia criticises the 2024 National Honours and Awards ceremony held on Monday, suggesting that "a proper committee backed by… pic.twitter.com/emrUA5bnP9

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