President John Agyekum Kufuor today officially ratified the Grand Order of the Star and Eagles of Ghana Award, (for Presidents of the Republic of Ghana) after its creation last week engendered heated public debate. Speaking at the 2008 Republic Day National Awards ceremony at the Accra International Conference Centre, under the theme, 'Branding Ghana for a prosperous future,' President Kufuor said the award is his creation to honour occupiers of the highest national office. “The law establishing the award of national honours did not provide specifically for an order for the Head of State, which is the highest office of the land. Today I wish to announce that by the powers vested in me by the Constitution as President and Head of State of the Republic and after wide consultation, I have instituted a new order solely for Presidents of the Republic. It will be known as the Grand Order of the Star and Eagles of Ghana as symbolised in the nation’s Coat of Arms to compliment the State Sword which is currently the main symbol of office. “The Order of the Star and Eagles is to be the highest order of the nation. Henceforth, every new president will be given the colour of the order as he or she is sworn into office. And this order will be worn on all formal national occasions. On successful completion of a term of office, the President will be presented with a replica of the colour, if he or she so desires. This is the rational governing my decision to institute the Order of the Star and Eagles of Ghana as the top of all the state awards created since 1960. This order will be conferred on the president by the Chief Justice.” Debates immediately following the announcement of the new award bothered on its constitutionality and why he, a sitting president, should nominate himself for a national award. Author: Isaac Yeboah