The occasion, which took place in Kumasi, was chaired by Professor Ebenezer Jackson, a lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah Univeristy of Science and Technology (KNUST).

Those honoured included the immediate past Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr John Kudalor, and the immediate past Ashanti Regional Police Commander, Commissioner of Police (COP) Nathan Kofi Boakye.

Other awardees were, the Principal of Jackson Education Complex, Mrs Theodosia W. Jackson; the President of the Ghana Technology University College (GTUC), Prof. Osei Darkwa; the Executive Director of Ideal College, Mr Joseph Kobina Essibu, the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Mr Jacob Kor and the Principal of St Monica’s College of Education, Mrs Christina Sobotie.

The rest were, the Principal of the Kumasi centre of Ideal College, Mr Clement Agyei Safo; the Bosome Freho Director of Health Services, Mr Clement Nti Boateng; the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Alpha Homeopathic Hospital, Dr Owuraku Junior and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Josei Enterprise.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MicJoy Advertising, Mr Michael Ampong, told the Daily Graphic in an interview that the 11 personalities had made outstanding contributions to the development of the country and it was in recognition of their hard work and exemplary leadership that his company felt motivated to honour them.

According to him, the awardees deserved the honour bestowed on them, and expressed the hope that it would encourage others placed in positions of authority to put in their best for the country.

"Society would mimic and reinforce positive attributes of others that have doubtless impact on the nation. The persons selected to be awarded really deserve the honour," he said.

In a related development, The Press Foundation (TPF), a media group based in Kumasi, has presented a citation in honour of the former Ashanti Regional Police Commander, (COP) Mr Nathan Kofi Boakye for his contribution to security in the region.

The presentation ceremony took place in Kumasi last Friday. The Executive Director of TPF, Mr Listowell Yesu Bukarson, described COP Boakye as a friend of the media in the Ashanti Region.

The citation read: "Commander One, as we affectionately call you, your enemies can even attest to your unrelenting efforts to make Ashanti Region the safest place to live in the country".

"You further risked your life and that of your men, even from the barrels of the robbers' guns and political protestations to make Asanteman safe and secure, while your dexterity made you a broker of peace in conflict situations," it said.