The Information Services Department as part of activities marking the Ghana Month started serialising Ghana National Honours and Awards since the honours were instituted on the attainment of Republican status.
Today we bring to you the State Honours Service Division with description of the medals and persons eligible for the award.
- THE GRAND CROSS
Description: A cross in 18-carat gold. Size: 43 mm high, 43 mm wide. Ribbon: 36 mm wide, red with 9 mm black centre stripe.
Obverse: In the centre the Coat of Arms of Ghana.
Reverse: In the centre the inscription ‘The Grand Cross’.
Eligibility
Persons eligible for the decoration shall be persons of any rank in the Army, Navy or Air Force of Ghana Regular or Reserve.
Conditions for award: The Grand Cross which is the premier award of the Armed Forces shall be awarded only for the most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or prominent act of valour, of self-sacrifice or extreme devotion to duty in the face of the enemy.
Remarks
- Each recommendation should be accompanied by signed statements of three independent witnesses. A joint signed statement is not permitted.
- In a collective act of gallantry by a unit where it is difficult to single out any particular individual, then the award may be made by secret ballot by the ranks named:
- When the total strength of the unit is less than one hundred, one officer, one WO or NCO and one private soldier may be elected.
- If total strength is between one hundred and two hundred, the number of privates may be increased to two
- If total strength is over two hundred the case is referred to and decided by the formation Commander.
- When ribbons only are worn, a holder of the GC wears a small bronze replica of the Cross on the ribbon of the GC
- A Bar is awarded for every subsequent act of gallantry that reaches the required standard. When ribbons only are worn, Bars are indicated by a small bronze replica of the Cross for each Bar, worn on the ribbon of the GC in addition to that in (C).
- An annual tax-free payment of 250 is awarded with this decoration. An amount of (125 will be credited to the recipient estate when an award is made posthumously. Non-commissioned officers and men who have been awarded the Grand Cross are eligible, in addition to the annual payment, for the extra award of 10p a day
- POLICE CROSS
Description: A cross in silver. Size: 44 mm high, 44 mm wide. Ribbon: 32 mm wide, 3 mm red centre band, on either side 4-5 mm blue stripes, 3 mm yellow and 7 mm green at ends.
Obverse: The Eagle of Ghana turned to right in centre.
Reverse: In centre the inscription ‘Police Cross’.
Eligibility
Any member of the Ghana Police Service.
Conditions for award: It will be awarded to persons who while serving in the Police Service have performed an act of conspicuous gallantry or exceptional merit or who have served for a long period and with outstanding merit in the Police Service.
- PRISONS CROSS
Description: A cross in silver. Size: 44 mm high, 44 mm wide. Ribbon: 32 mm wide, 3 mm black centre band, on either side 4-5 mm red stripes, 3 mm yellow and 7 mm green at ends.
Obverse: Similar to the Police Cross but with the Lion of Ghana in the centre.
Reverse: In the centre the inscription ‘Prisons Cross’.
Eligibility
All ranks in the Prisons Service.
Conditions for award: For conspicuous gallantry marked by resource and devotion to duty, including long service characterised by exceptional ability, merit and exemplary conduct, and outstanding leadership in particularly difficult and trying circumstances.
- DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER (ARMED FORCES DIVISION)
Description: A cross in silver. Size: 44 mm high, 44 mm wide. Ribbon: 32 mm wide, 13 mm green centre band, on either side equal stripes of yellow, blue and green at ends.
Obverse: A flying eagle facing left, in centre, the arms of the cross ribbed in relief.
Reverse: The arms of Ghana with the words ‘Ever Ready’ beneath.
Eligibility
May be awarded to Commissioned Officers in the Army, Navy or Air Force.
Conditions for award: On the recommendation of the appropriate Head of Service for gallantry or devotion to duty in the face of the enemy on land, sea or in the air which though it may not be deemed to merit the GC is yet of very high order.
Remarks
• There is no limitation on the rank of Officers who are eligible but the DSO is normally reserved for Lt. Cols. and Majors. If awarded to Captains or subalterns then a specific act of gallantry of a standard higher than that for the MC is required.
• A Bar is awarded for every subsequent similar act of the required standard. When ribbons only are worn Bars are indicated by a small silver rosette for each Bar worn on the ribbon of the DsO.
- DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER (POLICE DIVISION)
Description: A circular medal in silver. Size: 37 mm diameter. Ribbon: 32 mm wide, 13 mm red centre band, 3 mm blue stripes either side and 6•5 yellow at ends. A silver bar is attached on the ribbon worded Police Division’.
Obverse: The badge of the Ghana Police Service in centre with engraved lines, surrounded by the inscription ‘Distinguished Service Order’.
Reverse: The Arms of Ghana.
Eligibility
Any member of the Ghana Police Service.
Conditions for award: The order shall be awarded for recognition of conspicuous gallantry or other high distinction while in the Police Service.
- DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER (PRISONS DIVISION)
Description: A circular medal in silver. Size: 37 mm diameter. Ribbon: 32 mm wide, 13 mm red centre band, 3 mm green stripes either side and 6:5 mm yellow at ends. A silver bar is attached on the ribbon worded Prisons Division’.
Obverse: The crest and scroll of the Ghana Prisons Service in centre with engraved radiating lines circumscribed by the words ‘Distinguished Service Order’.
Reverse: The Coat of Arms of Ghana.
Eligibility
Normally awarded to Senior Officers but open to other ranks in respect of acts of conspicuous gallantry in saving life and/or property.
Conditions for award: For conspicuous gallantry in saving life and property; for distinguished work in administration; success in organizing an establishment or establishments of the Prisons Service, or in maintaining their organization under special difficulties; special service in dealing with hardened type of offenders or disorders in an establishment; for prolonged service when distinguished by very exceptional ability and merit.
ISD
