Georgetown, Guyana – (June 11, 2019) President David Granger, today, conferred Guyana’s highest national award, the Order of Excellence, on Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who is in Guyana on a two-day State visit. President Akufo- Addo was also honoured with a State Luncheon in the Baridi Benab, State House.
In brief remarks following the conferral of the award, President Granger said President Akufo-Addo, whom he described as a distinguished statesman, is being recognised for his invaluable exertions in promoting economic security and stability on the continent of Africa, his steadfast dedication to regionalism and his tireless efforts to promote the interests of developing states.
“The Constitution of the Orders of Guyana designates the Order of Excellence of Guyana as the “highest award of the State.” It is accorded to persons of distinction and eminence in any field of endeavour or either national or international significance.” Section 11 of the Orders provides that the Order of Excellence of Guyana may be awarded to: …any distinguished citizens of another country who has rendered valuable service to Guyana and whom for any other reason the states wishes to honour.” The Cooperative Republic of Guyana is today pleased to confer on His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana, the Order of Excellence of Guyana for his dedication and commitment to the Commonwealth, the Organisation of African Unity and the Economic Community of West Africa and for his unflinching support for the rights of developing states,” President Granger said.
The Head of State noted that developing countries look to his continued leadership and stewardship to protect their gains and secure their future.
“Guyana regards him as a dear friend and I as a brother. I congratulate President Akufo-Addo on his investiture. I thank him again for his stewardship to the developing world, particularly for small states,” President Granger said.
Meanwhile, the Ghanaian Head of State, in his remarks, said he is touched not only by the conferral of the award, but also the hospitality shown by the people of Guyana.
“I am pleasantly surprised…You waited for me at one o clock in the morning in the rain to greet me and today, you see it fit to accord me the highest honour of your country. I am, of course, extremely appreciative and very grateful. I am not sure that all of these strong words that you have said in my regard are completely worthy, but they certainly provide me with the guideline that I have to try and achieve. I am very, very grateful and I am concerned about how the two of us and our two countries can work together to promote the welfare and interest of our two people,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo also commended President Granger for his stewardship over the past four years, even as he noted that positive growth and development can be seen.
“I have to commend you Mr. President, for the strong leadership you have exhibited upon assuming the rise of your Government in 2015. From a growth rate of 3.2 per cent at the end of 2015, the Guyanese economy, according to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean is projected to grow to 4.6 per cent this year. With the agricultural and extractive sectors of the economy witnessing significant growth, it would be fair to conclude that your vision of building a diversified economy is on course,” he said.
The luncheon was attended by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland; former Presidents Donald Ramotar, Bharrat Jagdeo and Samuel Hinds, former Prime Minister Hamilton Green; Chief Justice Madame Roxane George; Ministers of Government, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and other special invitees.
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