National Awards -Minister of Information In The Dark

Speaking on a radio programme yesterday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Asamoah Boateng said the 244 names on the list for the controversial national awards exclude President Kufuor and ex-President Rawlings.

Asked if President Kufuor will honour himself, a move that has attracted some criticism, he said "as to what is going to happen on Thursday, it is premature, so let's wait and see...some consultation is going on and until that is finished I am not going to comment on air whether the ex-president will be there to take it or the current president will also take it".

To ensure national consensus building, he said, he wished Mr. Rawlings will show up at the Accra International Conference Centre for the awards.

President J. A. Kufuor in accordance with the National Honours Warrant of the Republic of Ghana (1960) instituted a new National Award - The Grand Order of the Star And Eagles Of Ghana, to be the highest State Award.

Only those who legitimately attain the high office of President of the Republic of Ghana are entitled to this award. In this regard, the two persons who currently qualify for this award are President John Agyekum Kufuor and former President Flt. (Rtd) Jerry John Rawlings.

Similarly, Vice Presidents of the Republic of Ghana qualify for the Order of the Star -Companion.