In a resounding celebration of dedication, service, and excellence, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo presided over the 2024 National Honours and Awards Ceremony at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) on Monday, December 30, 2024.

The event, a hallmark of national recognition, spotlighted individuals and institutions whose contributions have profoundly shaped Ghana’s trajectory during the past eight years of his administration.

“Today, we gather to celebrate an enduring tradition of excellence, sacrifice, and national service. The 2024 National Honor and Awards Ceremony is a powerful recognition of the extraordinary individuals and institutions who have dedicated themselves to building a brighter Ghana over the last 8 years of my presidency.”
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

He emphasized the historical significance of the awards, tracing their origins to 1960 when Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, inaugurated the scheme as a cornerstone of national recognition.

The President detailed the awards’ categories—from the Presidential Certificates of Distinguished Service to the Medal for Gallantry, the Grand Medal, the Order of the Volta, and the Order of the Star of Ghana.

Each accolade, he noted, tells a unique story of commitment and love for Ghana. Among the honorees was Ambassador Yvonne Deborah Karakari, recognized as Ghana’s first female Cabinet Secretary, a trailblazer whose career exemplifies groundbreaking leadership.

Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, the longest-serving Member of Parliament, received accolades for his steadfast and selfless dedication to the nation’s legislative progress.

The prestigious Order of the Star of Ghana was conferred upon luminaries whose contributions have redefined Ghana’s societal landscape.

Notable among them was Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, whom President Akufo-Addo lauded for his transformative leadership in Ghana’s digital and economic modernization.

Posthumous recognition was given to Marcus Garvey, whose enduring legacy of Pan-Africanism according to President Akufo-Addo continues to resonate as a rallying call for unity and self-reliance among Africans worldwide.

A Tribute to Service Across Diverse Fields

The ceremony celebrated individuals from diverse professions, reflecting the multifaceted nature of nation-building. From health professionals to creatives, political leaders, and public servants, each awardee exemplifies the values of fortitude, integrity, and unity.

President Akufo-Addo singled out individuals such as Dr. Ernest Addison, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, for steering the financial system through turbulent times.

He also recognised Professor Ato Essuman, for his transformative contributions to education, Paul Pinson Ansah, whose creative endeavours have showcased Ghana’s rich culture to the world and Bright Appiah, whose advocacy for child rights has amplified the voices of the vulnerable.

Institutions such as the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Prison Service, the United Nations Development Fund, and the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences were also recognized for their unwavering commitment to the nation’s progress, receiving the Presidential Plaque for Distinguished Service.

A Call to Action

The President’s speech transcended the celebration of past achievements, serving as a clarion call to action for both honorees and the nation.

“Ladies and gentlemen, at its core, this ceremony is about celebrating the human spirit. It is about recognizing the normal people who achieve extraordinary things. It is about saying thank you to those who remind us that no matter the challenges we face, we can overcome them with courage, determination, and love for our country. To our honorees, this is your day. Let this moment inspire you to continue making a difference.”
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

To the youth and the broader populace, he emphasized the role of collective effort in achieving a “Ghana Beyond Aid,” a vision underpinned by governance, education, and industrial reforms.

In honouring Marcus Garvey, whom he said is this year’s posthumous awardee, President Akufo-Addo underscored the enduring relevance of his ideals, describing him as “a clarion call for us to carry forward his unfinished work.”

In concluding his remarks, President Akufo-Addo underscored the significance of selfless leadership, sacrifices and commitment to duty, emphasizing the essence of the occasion.

With a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration drawn from the achievements of the honorees, President Akufo-Addo pointed out that the event reinforced the values that underpin Ghana’s collective strength.

The President’s closing words encapsulated the day’s spirit: “Together, we can build a nation that stands as a beacon of hope for Africa and, indeed, the world.”