Nana Addo Gets France’s Highest National Honour

France, on Thursday November 14, 2024 conferred the country’s highest national honour, known as the “Grand Officier de la Légion d’Honneur” (Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour). on Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo.

French General Napoleon Bonaparte, established the National Order of the Legion of Honour  in 1802 and has since remained the highest honour of merit given by the French Republic.

French President Emmanuel Macron, yesterday Thursday November 14, conferred the prestigious honour of merit on President Nana Akufo-Addo at an official ceremony held at the French Presidency, Elysee, in Paris, France as part the Ghanaian President’s State visit to France.

The gesture further deepens the  bond of cordial friendship between France and Ghana; a relationship that stands on the principles of mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to collaboration on global issues.

It is an exceptionally high honour reserved for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary service to France and the wider global community in fields ranging from public service and international diplomacy to arts, science, and humanitarian efforts.

Past French Presidents have conferred the award on persons who have provided exceptional services to France, or defended causes and ideals that France supports, such as democracy, human rights, press freedom and humanitarian services.

President Macron lauded President Akufo-Addo’s commitment to democracy and human rights, as well as strengthening the diplomatic ties between Ghana and France.

President Akufo-Addo’s leadership has been instrumental in championing democratic principles, promoting sustainable development, and fostering peace and stability both within Ghana and across the African continent.

His role in strengthening Ghana’s relations with France has further solidified ties between the two nations, paving the way for increased cooperation on critical issues such as economic growth, climate action, education, and cultural exchange.

This accolade adds to a series of international recognitions bestowed upon President Akufo-Addo during his tenure, reflecting his dedication to public service and his impactful contributions on the world stage

The National Order of the Legion of Honour  is divided into five categories, namely the Grand Cross (Grand-croix), the Grand Officer (Grand officier), the Commander (Commandeur), Officer (Officier) and Knight (Chevalier), with the Grand Cross being the highest category and the Knight being the lowest. The French President is the Grand Master of the Order and confers the orders on deserving dignitaries.

Previous awardees of the honour include the former German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, former President of the Swiss Confederation, Pascal Couchepin, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former Italian Prime Minister, Massimo d’Alema, and the President of the Russia, Vladimir Putin.

President Akufo-Addo is on a day’s State visit to France, where he held bilateral talks with the President of the France, H.E. Emmanuel Macron.

He also, spoke at an event organised by France Volontaires, the French platform for international volunteering, and a high-level event organised by UNESCO in honour of  first African Director-General of UNESCO, Amadou Mahtar-M’Bow.