Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has criticized President Nana Akufo-Addo’s selection of recipients for the recent National State Awards.
Speaking during the 43rd-anniversary celebration of the 31st December Revolution, Asiedu Nketiah raised concerns about the legitimacy of the awards, suggesting that some recipients were undeserving of the recognition they received.
He also questioned the lack of a transparent selection process, arguing that the absence of clear criteria for awarding the honors diminishes their prestige.
Asiedu Nketiah called for the introduction of legislation to regulate the awarding of National and State Honors, advocating for transparency, fairness, and a merit-based system in the process.
“State awards are serious businesses. They must be reserved for people of distinction, people who have fought for a good course. If we award state honours to vigilante boys and girls, then that is what we are teaching the youth, that after all, it is alright to pick weapons and shoot at people. That after all, it is alright to loot state coffers when you are allowed to serve as a minister.
“I want to tell the rest of Ghanaians that it is about time we establish a proper committee backed by law that will help to determine who should earn a national award.”
