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.
