Order of the Volta Awards: A Case Of ‘Honouring Themselves’

The so-called awards bestowed by President Nana Akufo-Addo on various personalities, including Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, the chairman of the Economic Management team, are a stark reminder of the government’s misplaced priorities.

At a time when Ghana’s economy is battered by these “landguards”, debt is mounting, and citizens are struggling to make ends meet or put body and soul together, it’s unconscionable that the government is indulging in self-congratulatory gestures.

The fact that Dr. Bawumia, who has been at the helm of the Economic Management team, is among those being honoured, raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to addressing the economic challenges facing the country. It’s a classic case of “honouring themselves” while the citizens suffer.

As President Akufo-Addo himself acknowledged in 2019, the country’s economy was facing significant challenges, including a fiscal deficit of 9.3% and a dangerously fragile banking sector. However, instead of taking concrete steps to address these challenges, the government seems more interested in handing out awards and accolades.

The citizens of Ghana deserve better. They deserve a government that prioritises their needs, addresses the economic challenges facing the country, and works towards creating a more equitable society. The awards are a slap in the face of Ghanaian citizens, and a stark reminder of the government’s failure to deliver on its promises.

By Peter Kojo Apisawu