Mahama Bans Ministers and CEOs from Accepting Private Awards Without Approval
Presidency says move aims to protect integrity of public service and ensure performance is judged through measurable government outcomes, not private award schemes
- Mahama directs ministers and CEOs to avoid private awards without approval
- Presidency cites concerns over credibility and transparency of award schemes
- Public officials to be assessed based on measurable government performance
The Presidency has directed all Ministers of State, Chief Executive Officers of state institutions, and other political appointees to refrain from participating in or accepting awards from private organisations without prior approval from the Office of the President.
The directive, issued by the Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, follows concerns raised by President John Dramani Mahama over what has been described as the growing trend of public officials receiving awards from private bodies as “best-performing,” “most outstanding,” or “most influential” office holders.
According to the Presidency, many of these awarding institutions are largely unknown, lack clear credentials, and do not operate with transparent or verifiable criteria for assessing the performance of public officials.
“The President has noted with concern the increasing trend of Ministers of State, Chief Executive Officers of State Institutions, and other public officials participating in and accepting awards from various private organisations purporting to recognise them as the ‘best-performing’, ‘most outstanding’, or ‘most influential’ public office holders,” the statement said.
The Presidency warned that such awards could undermine the integrity of public service, distort public perception of government performance, and expose the administration to unnecessary criticism and embarrassment.
It further stressed that public office is a trust placed in officials by the people of Ghana, and therefore performance must be assessed through transparent and measurable government systems, not privately organised ceremonies or commercial award schemes.
“All public officials are hereby directed to refrain from participating in, sponsoring, endorsing, attending, or accepting awards from such organisations unless expressly authorised by the Office of the President,” it added.
The statement also emphasized that government remains focused on delivering its policy priorities under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) 2024 manifesto and related performance targets.
It noted that the performance of Ministers and CEOs will be judged based on measurable results, effective service delivery, prudent management of public resources, and successful implementation of government programmes.
The Presidency further disclosed that a comprehensive performance review of all Ministers and Chief Executive Officers will soon be conducted, with outcomes expected to guide decisions on retention, reassignment, and possible restructuring within government.
The directive comes just days after several government officials were honoured at the 6th Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Awards held at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
At the event, Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo was named Best Regional Minister, while Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah received the Best Male Performing Minister award.
Deputy Minister for Transport and MP for Jomoro, Dorcas Toffey, was adjudged Best Deputy Minister, while Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey was named Best Female Minister.
The ceremony, attended by government officials, traditional leaders, and stakeholders, was held to recognise excellence in public service delivery and leadership.
