The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has taken a swipe at President Nana Akufo-Addo over the selection process for the recent National State Awards, accusing the government of undermining the credibility of the honors by awarding individuals he described as undeserving.

Speaking at the 43rd-anniversary celebration of the 31st December Revolution, Asiedu Nketiah argued that the lack of transparency and merit in selecting awardees has diminished the prestige of the awards.

“State awards are serious businesses. They must be reserved for people of distinction, people who have fought for a good cause. 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,” he said.

The NDC chairman called for the establishment of a legal framework to regulate the organization and conferral of National and State Awards. He emphasized the need for fairness, transparency, and a merit-based system to restore public trust in the honors.

“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,” he added.

The National State Awards, held earlier this year, saw several high-ranking officials recognized for their contributions to public service. The Star of Ghana – Officer Award, the highest honor, was conferred on Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

Recipients of the Order of the Volta – Officer category included:

Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto (Public Service)

Ambrose Dery (Public Service)

Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (Public Service)

Kwaku Ofori Asiamah (Public Service)

Kwasi Amoako-Atta (Public Service)

Mavis Hawa Koomson (Public Service)

Ignatius Baffour Awuah (Public Service)

Ursula Owusu-Ekuful (Public Service)

Dr. Kwaku Afriyie (Public Service)