President J. A. Kufuor and former President J. J. Rawlings are also on the list of distinguished Ghanaians and foreigners who will be given national awards on July 3, 2008. The two names have been revealed as part of the list raising the number to 243. The two will be honoured with the newly created highest state award, the Grand Order of the Star and Eagles of Ghana. The new award was instituted by President Kufuor in accordance with the National Honours Warrant of the Republic of Ghana (1960). The Ghanaian Times newspaper quoted Information and National Orientation Minister, Stephen Asamoah Boateng in a report in its June 23, 2008 issue as saying, “From what I am privy to, the two will be awarded on July 3 barring any future changes.” The report referred to a release signed by Presidential Press Secretary, Andrew Awuni as saying that the new award is to be given to personalities who have legitimately attained the high office of President of the Republic. According to the release “the two persons who currently qualify for this award are President John Agyekum Kufuor and former President J. J. Rawlings.” The list since its announcement has raised debates in the country and abroad. There is no consensus on some names on the list. By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi