Editorial
Award schemesshould be on merit,not pay-for-award
THERE is a rising concern about award schemes in Ghana becoming a ‘Pay-for-Award’ or a Vote-to-win mentality instead of awards based on merit. Numerous organisations now hold glamorous ceremonies pledging to honour “excellence,” ranging from business and entertainment to leadership and social influence.
However, behind the glitz, red carpets, and gold-plated awards, a worrying reality is emerging and for many nominees, recognition is no longer earned; it is purchased. This is because honourees now have to pay for their route to excellence.
A reporter from The Spectator interviewed a number of nominees in Tamale and Accra, and they disclosed that the process has become all too familiar. What is so remarkable is that they receive a congratulatory call announcing their nomination, generally portrayed as an acknowledgment of hard work and influence.
Some are asked to pay as much as GH¢2,000 for a table and for the plaque and if the person is not able to afford the award is given to another person who has the ability to pay. If the award is based on merit why do you ask the awardee to pay for it? Many Ghanaians are beginning to question the credibility of these award events.
The invitation of high-profile dignitaries like regional ministers, public officials and celebrities to appear on flyers and at events convinces nominees and the public alike that it is legitimate but in reality it is a façade.
Another issue of concern which has turned recognition into a popularity contest is vote-based competitions where winners are determined not by impact or quality, but by how many votes they can garner often through paid SMS on mobile money platforms.
Instead of people being honoured for their good work they rather have to beg friends, strangers, WhatsApp groups everywhere to vote for them just competing for airtime and mobile money in order to win.
Coupled with that the award events often staged in luxury hotels with celebrity hosts and elaborate decorations have become lucrative business ventures where organisers earn revenue through seat sales, sponsorship deals, photography packages, nomination fees, and promotional slots.
These issues are worrying as the pursuit of recognition has come with a heavy financial burden. According to an awardee she spent more than GH¢23,000 on various awards over three years as cost for seats, plaques, adverts and others. Why must people pay for seats if they are genuinely qualified?
Some beneficiaries have wondered about the genuineness, relevance and credibility of the awards but the issue is while a few argue that such awards help with publicity or branding, many more believe the practice cheapens the meaning of excellence.
The Spectator calls for regulation of some of these awards which are nothing short of scams damaging public trust.
We hope that henceforth awards should reward genuine achievement, not financial contributions for accountability and ethical standards to reign in the award industry.
There should be transparency so that Award Schemes will be on merit, not pay-for-award.
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Dear Editor,
I write to express concern about the increasing rate of road accidents on the Kumasi–Accra highway, which has become a source of fear for many commuters.
It is one of the busiest roads in Ghana, connecting two major cities and serving thousands of passengers daily. Sadly, almost every week, we hear reports of fatal crashes, injuries, and loss of property along the stretch. Many families have lost loved ones, and several survivors are left with lifelong injuries.
The causes of these accidents are not far-fetched. Over-speeding, reckless overtaking, driver fatigue, poor vehicle maintenance, and disregard for road traffic regulations are major contributors.
In some sections, bad road conditions, faded road markings, and inadequate street lighting also increase the risk, especially at night and during rainy weather.
It is worrying that despite repeated accidents, little seems to change. Drivers continue to overspeed, some commercial drivers drive under pressure to meet unrealistic travel times, and enforcement of traffic laws appears weak in certain areas.
I, therefore appeal to the relevant authorities, including the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and the Ministry of Roads and Highways, to intensify road safety education, enforce traffic laws strictly, and ensure regular patrols on this highway.
Road signs should be improved, damaged portions of the road fixed promptly, and speed limits clearly enforced.
Drivers must also take personal responsibility by obeying traffic rules, avoiding unnecessary overtaking, and ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy. Passengers should speak up when drivers drive recklessly, because silence can cost lives.
Road accidents are preventable. Let us act now to make the Kumasi–Accra Highway safer for all users before more innocent lives are lost.
By Eugene Ampiaw, Takoradi
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Dear Editor,
THE incident of baby theft at the Mamprobi Polyclinic on Tuesday was quite unfortunate.
It is very sad that a woman that has endured nine challenging months of pregnancy and gone through a Caesarian Section to deliver would go through such an unfortunate situation.
We should be grateful to God that the baby was found and reunited with mother a day after the disappearance.
This is not the first occurrence and I believe may not be the last and is the reason why I welcome the calls for improved security protocols at the various health facilities across the country.
Several speculative narratives are flying all over with calls for a harsher punishment.
As unfortunate as the action of the suspect was, it is important that she is also checked mentally and psychologically. A number of factors may have contributed to this action including an inability to conceive and the ensuing societal pressure and stigma of barrenness.
A lot of women are facing such challenges but have not mustered the courage to attempt such a heinous crime. This should occupy the minds of agencies responsible for women issues to increase awareness on situations like this.
A woman whose marriage is collapsing under the weight of barrenness can be affected psychologically and, in that situation, could arrive at any decision.
Naa Torshie,
Dansoman
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