The women's wing of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Wednesday kicked against President John Agyekum Kufuor's nomination of the main opposition National Democratic Congress flag bearer, Professor John Evans Atta Mills for a National Award.
President Kufuor on Friday nominated Prof. Mills, former Vice President for the highest National Award - Companion of the Star of Ghana - for 2008.
A statement signed by Mr. Andrew Awuni, Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman named four other prominent Ghanaians Alhaji Aliu Mahama, Vice President, Nayiri Naa Bohugu Mahami Shirigu, Paramount Chief of Mamprugu Traditional Area, the Yegun Wura Bawa Doshie, Paramount Chief of Gonja Traditional Area and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for the award.
However, a statement signed by Ms Rita Asobayire, National Women Organiser, said the award for the flag bearer of the NDC would massively demoralize the rank and file of teaming supporters of the NPP.
"We do not begrudge or challenge the President on his authority to constitute a committee to propose names for consideration. However, such an act may affect the campaign strategy of the party," the statement said.
The statement therefore called on the President to reconsider and review the decision to give the award to former Vice President Mills in particular.
The statement also recounted some inhuman atrocities purported to have been committed under the NDC regime which Prof Mills served as the Vice President and also debunked alleged NDC propaganda, creating the impression that the National Award for its flag bearer was a tacit endorsement of the competence of Prof Mills by President Kufuor.
The statement said: "There was no need for such propaganda to be used against the President's good intentions for giving an award to the former Vice President."
This year's National Awards ceremony is scheduled for July 3, as part of activities to mark Republic Day.
A presidential press statement said 158 persons had their names on the list for various national awards.
Five of them for Order of Star of Ghana (Companion Division), 50 for Order of the Volta (Companion Division), 38 for Order of the Volta (Officer Division) 16 for Order of the Volta (Member) and 49 for Grand medal.
The Office of the President also announced that the full list of this year's National Awards was still in preparation and a number of Ghanaians who had contributed to the growth and development of the country, including high personalities in the previous and current governments, were being considered.
A statement issued by the Office of the President and signed by Mr Kwadwo O. Mpiani, Chief of Staff and Minister of Presidential Affairs, said when the list was finalized and received assent of the President, the public would be informed accordingly.