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Kufuor nominates Mills for
National Award against the wishes of NPP women’s wing
Accra, May 28, Ghanadot/GNA – The women’s wing of the ruling
New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Wednesday kicked against
President John Agyekum Kufuor’s nomination of the main
opposition National Democratic Congress flag bearer,
Professor John Evans Atta Mills for a National Award.
President Kufuor on Friday nominated Prof. Mills, former
Vice President for the highest National Award – Companion of
the Star of Ghana - for 2008.
A statement signed by Mr. Andrew Awuni, Press Secretary and
Presidential Spokesman named four other prominent Ghanaians
Alhaji Aliu Mahama, Vice President, Nayiri Naa Bohugu Mahami
Shirigu, Paramount Chief of Mamprugu Traditional Area, the
Yegun Wura Bawa Doshie, Paramount Chief of Gonja Traditional
Area and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for the award.
However, a statement signed by Ms Rita Asobayire, National
Women Organiser, said the award for the flag bearer of the
NDC would massively demoralize the rank and file of teaming
supporters of the NPP.
“We do not begrudge or challenge the President on his
authority to constitute a committee to propose names for
consideration. However, such an act may affect the campaign
strategy of the party,” the statement said.
The statement therefore called on the President to
reconsider and review the decision to give the award to
former Vice President Mills in particular.
The statement also recounted some inhuman atrocities
purported to have been committed under the NDC regime which
Prof Mills served as the Vice President and also debunked
alleged NDC propaganda, creating the impression that the
National Award for its flag bearer was a tacit endorsement
of the competence of Prof Mills by President Kufuor.
The statement said: “There was no need for such propaganda
to be used against the President’s good intentions for
giving an award to the former Vice President.”
This year’s National Awards ceremony is scheduled for July
3, as part of activities to mark Republic Day.
A presidential press statement said 158 persons had their
names on the list for various national awards.
Five of them for Order of Star of Ghana (Companion
Division), 50 for Order of the Volta (Companion Division),
38 for Order of the Volta (Officer Division) 16 for Order of
the Volta (Member) and 49 for Grand medal.
The Office of the President also announced that the full
list of this year's National Awards was still in preparation
and a number of Ghanaians who had contributed to the growth
and development of the country, including high personalities
in the previous and current governments, were being
considered.
A statement issued by the Office of the President and signed
by Mr Kwadwo O. Mpiani, Chief of Staff and Minister of
Presidential Affairs, said when the list was finalized and
received assent of the President, the public would be
informed accordingly.
GNA
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