THE NATIONAL Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has accused President Nana Akufo-Addo of honouring individuals who undermine Ghana’s national security and democratic values.
According to him, awarding figures like Bryan Acheampong and Hawa Koomson, who have been associated with violent acts and threats, sends the wrong message to the youth and erodes the country’s moral fabric.
Mr. Asiedu Nketia made this assertion when addressing a gathering at the 34th-anniversary celebration of the 31st December Women’s Movement in Krowor, Greater Accra Region. He explained that, under President Akufo-Addo, Ghana is drifting away from the values of its founding fathers by glorifying social vices and rewarding misconduct, particularly in public service.
Elaborating further, Mr. Nketia emphasized that national honours should be reserved for individuals of exceptional character and service, not those whose actions compromise national security. “If you’re awarding state honours to party vigilantes who terrorize citizens, what are you teaching the youth? That, it is acceptable to wield weapons and harm fellow Ghanaians?” he quizzed.
Mr. Nketia cited the cases of Bryan Acheampong and Hawa Koomson as examples, highlighting how Hawa Koomson brandished a firearm and fired shots during a voter registration exercise. He further criticized the President for seemingly endorsing such behaviour by granting them national recognition, calling it a betrayal of Ghana’s moral and ethical values.
To prevent such instances in the future, the NDC Chairman proposed the establishment of a legally-backed committee to determine recipients of national awards. He stressed that the process should not be left to the whims and caprices of any individual, including the President.
The event also paid tribute to Ghana’s fallen heroes, including the 13 young Ghanaians killed in Techiman South and other parts of the country during the 2020 elections and five others in the 2024 general election. A minute of silence was observed in their honour.
A Look Back at the 31st December Revolution
The 31st December Revolution, led by the late Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings in 1981, marked a turning point in Ghana’s political history. It sought to address corruption, injustice and economic mismanagement under the then civilian government. The revolution paved the way for the establishment of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), which implemented policies aimed at restoring economic stability and social justice.
The anniversary, commemorated annually, celebrates the ideals of accountability and patriotism championed by Rawlings and his administration. The 31st December Women’s Movement, founded during this period, continues to advocate for women’s empowerment and national development.
Source: Nationaltyme.com
