Ghana’s outgoing Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has been decorated by President Akufo-Addo with Ghana’s highest honour, the “Order of the Star of Ghana – Officer Award, at the 2024 National Honours event held in Accra on Monday, December 30, 2024, at the Accra International Conference Centre.

Dr Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s presidential candidate for the just-ended 2024 elections who was defeated by former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress was acknowledged for his public service in the last eight years as Vice President.

Dr Bawumia’s running mate in the 2024 elections, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh was also among those honoured at the ceremony, receiving an award for public service in the Order of the Volta - Officer Awardee.

He was part of many Ghanaians from different sectors such as civil service, military, police, judiciary, education, public health, sports, culture, commerce, and agriculture who were decorated with national honours on the day.

President Akufo-Addo also conferred the prestigious 'Order of the Volta (Membership) Award on JoyNews’ Erastus Asare Donkor, for his outstanding contributions to the nation through his fearless and dedicated journalism.

The award, the second highest honour in the country, was bestowed upon Mr Asare Donkor in recognition of his tireless efforts to expose the destructive activities of illegal miners and his unwavering commitment to championing the fight against environmental degradation.

The president presented the awards to acknowledge their outstanding service, hard work, sacrifices, and contributions to national development.

Dr Bawumia led a list of ministers of state and other government officials recognized at the 2024 National Honours and Awards and the Presidential Honours for Distinguished Service.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, Ministers of State, and other high-ranking citizens and government officials.

Read Also: Full list of recipients at 2024 National Honours Awards