Feature

The Order of the Volta or the Order of the Vulture? A National Honours Controversy

Ghana’s outgoing President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, concluded his term with a flurry of activity, bestowing National Honours and Awards upon a select group of recipients on Monday, December 30, 2024. While such ceremonies are traditionally a moment of national unity and celebration, the 2024 event has sparked considerable controversy and ignited a heated national debate. The source of the contention? The perceived disparity between the awards conferred and the perceived merit of the recipients.

The Order of the Volta, one of Ghana’s highest national honour, recognises outstanding contributions to the nation’s development. However, the selection of recipients for this prestigious award, and indeed for several other honours, has drawn significant criticism. Many Ghanaians believe that several individuals bestowed with the Order of the Volta, a symbol of national pride and achievement, should have instead received a far less flattering, and perhaps more fitting, accolade: the (hypothetical) Order of the Vulture.

The sarcastic suggestion of an “Order of the Vulture” reflects a widespread sentiment that some awardees lacked the integrity, commitment, or positive impact necessary to merit such high national recognition. The implication is that these individuals, rather than contributing to the nation’s advancement, are seen as having exploited their positions for personal gain, engaged in questionable practices, or actively harmed the national interest. This perception has led to accusations of cronyism, political patronage, and a blatant disregard for the principles of meritocracy.

The criticism isn’t simply limited to the Order of the Volta. While the specific names and deeds remain largely unspecified in public discourse (likely for legal reasons), the general feeling is that the entire awards ceremony lacked transparency and fairness. Many deserving individuals, often those working tirelessly in less glamorous fields, feel overlooked and undervalued. Their contributions, arguably more impactful than those of some of the award recipients, remain largely unrecognised. This perceived imbalance fuels the frustration and anger that permeates the public conversation.

The controversy highlights a deeper issue within the Ghanaian system of national honours. The lack of clear and publicly accessible criteria for selection raises concerns about the objectivity and impartiality of the process. Without such transparency, the system is vulnerable to accusations of bias and political manipulation. The outcry suggests a pressing need for reforms that would ensure a more robust and credible process, one that prioritises genuine achievement and demonstrable positive impact over political expediency.

Ultimately, the debate surrounding the 2024 National Honours and Awards transcends mere disagreement over specific individuals. It underscores a broader societal concern about accountability, fairness, and the importance of recognising true national heroes. The hypothetical “Order of the Vulture” serves as a potent symbol of public dissatisfaction, a stark reminder that national honours should reflect genuine merit and not simply serve as instruments of political reward.

The outcry demands a critical review of the entire awards system, ensuring that future ceremonies truly celebrate those who have selflessly dedicated themselves to the progress and betterment of Ghana. Until such reforms are implemented, the shadow of the “Order of the Vulture” will likely continue to loom large over any future national honours ceremonies.

Anthony Obeng Afrane