The Chairperson of the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC), Esther Offei-Aboagye, has called for greater public involvement in the process of awarding national honours in Ghana.

She expressed concern over the lack of transparency and public understanding surrounding the current system.

Speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile on Saturday, 4th January, with Samson Lardy Anyenini, she stated, “This is an issue I feel strongly about because I remain largely uninformed about the process. If these honours are given in the name of my country and to recognise individuals for their contributions to public life, then, as a citizens, we must understand the process, the criteria, and any review mechanisms involved.”

Mrs Ofei-Aboagye compared Ghana’s system to those of other countries, where national honours often involve public nominations and specialist committees. In such countries, nominations begin with public submissions, which are then examined by expert committees based on the category of the award, such as technology or public service. These committees evaluate the merit of each nominee before recommendations are passed to a main committee.

“In other systems, the role of the head of state is limited to approval, with minimal direct involvement in selecting honourees. This ensures that the process is thorough, impartial, and transparent,” she explained.

She argued that if national honours are to reflect the collective appreciation of Ghanaians, the public must have a role in the process. “If you tell me someone has been honoured by Ghana, I should be able to say how that person’s life has positively impacted Ghanaians or contributed to the nation,” she noted.

Mrs Ofei-Aboagye also highlighted the need for reforms, including the establishment of clear criteria and investigative processes to identify deserving recipients. She emphasised that such reforms could eliminate perceptions of partisanship and ensure that honourees genuinely reflect the nation’s values and aspirations.

“We need to refine the system so that Ghanaians can confidently endorse those who are recognised. That way, the process will command public respect and genuineness,” she concluded.