Order of the Star and Eagles of Ghana
The Order of the Star and Eagles of Ghana is an order created by President John Kufuor of Ghana in June 2008. The award superseded the Order of the Star of Ghana as the highest national decoration. It is to be presented only to those who have obtained the office of President of the Republic of Ghana.
There was significant criticism to the order's creation. Some suggested it was inappropriate for such an order with such limited members to be the highest in the land. Others have suggested this is simple a vanity title for the outgoing president and comparisons have been made to African dictators who gave themselves titles (such as Idi Amin).
Others have suggested that the order is illegal as it was instituted by executive ordinance rather than being a parliamentary motion. It is questionable as to whether or not the President is legally allowed to create such an order Although the President is "fount of honour" (in that all honours flow from the president, similar to the British model where all honours flow from the Queen) it is debatable as to whether or not the President has the authority to simply create a new order.
References
- Of Honors Not Being Constitutional, Honors, Columnist: Dusuuru Bamba, Feature Article of Thursday, 17 July 2008, GhanaWeb
- Mr. President, You Are Out Of Order. You Must Rescind Decision, By Eric Bottah (alias Oyokoba), 24 Jun 2008 - ModernGhana.com
- Gentleman's Military Interest Club, Rest of the World: Medals & Militaria, Republic of Ghana